Failed small jets in history

Air & Space Magazine takes a look back at small, inexpensive personal jets that were commercial failures. According to the article, the cost of fuel kept them out of the sky. Seen here is the SIPA200 Minijet:

First flown in France in 1952, the two-seat Minijet was designed around the world’s first practical small turbojet engine, the 330-pound-thrust Turbomeca Palas. With a gross weight of 1,675 pounds, the Minijet was seriously underpowered on takeoff, but could still manage a top speed of 250 mph. The thirst of the little Palas engine, however, limited the airplane’s range to 350 miles. Of the seven Minijets built, only two are still flying, one of them in the United States.

Link

[#1 posted by strider_mt2k , February 4, 2008 1:08 PM]

If you are near Dulles Airport check our the Ugvar_Hazy center out there.

It's one awesome Air and Space museum.

[#2 posted by Takuan , February 4, 2008 1:26 PM]

mini-mini jets
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhv5o_2006jetpoweredbatsuit

[#3 posted by MrWednesday , February 4, 2008 3:30 PM]

Still, awesomely cute.

[#4 posted by Kieran O'Neill , February 5, 2008 12:46 AM]

Some actual details on that jet powered birdman flight.

[#5 posted by quesarah , February 5, 2008 8:34 AM]

Cute little jets may make a comeback. Relatively highpower but small jet engines are becoming temptingly reliable and affordable.

Here is a twin-jet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9bzQQl8Y_w

Here is a more typical motorglider :
( see news ) http://www.hph.cz/