JETS
PEGASUS VERTICAL BUSINESS JET THE SKY IS THE LIMIT | BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE
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VTOL stands for an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft which promises to alter the conventional aviation yardsticks. Pegasus wants to combine that and disrupt the business jet market. Unlike traditional business jets or helicopters, the Pegasus Vertical Business Jet promises to provide a greener and a far more convenient alternative. Being able to take off and land vertically gives it the flexibility that a business jet/helicopter owner craves for. You can pretty much land anywhere (a rooftop, a yacht, or a helipad) plus not only that as it will have four times the range of a helicopter. Pegasus terms it as the “first aircraft to provide business jet performance coupled with helicopter convenience�. It is also claimed that its performance would be better than helicopters, piston engine planes and any of the tilt-rotor VTOL aircraft currently on market as the range is an impressive 4400km
20 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020
from runway take-off (or 2124km in VTOL) with a 45 minutes reserve. The VBJ also has a cruising speed of 609 Kilometers per hour at 35,000 feet. It uses twin double ducted fans and four lift fan units. However for business jet owners the issue of range or weight will come into focus as electric poses those challenges. The VBJ though overcomes that with a pair of turbo-shaft engines and a maximum fuel capacity of 2,040 kg. Compared to conventional business jets, you save a lot of fuel as you take off and land via the fans in the wings. There are four of them which provide the thrust and the whole process is streamlined with a proprietary system in place requires less pilot training than a conventional aircraft. Unlike helicopters, there is a much quieter cabin for the passengers and the pilot also. It will have the ability to accommodate seven passengers with a luxurious cabinalbeit with a futuristic design theme.
