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Williams Jet Design Contest

Jointly sponsored by Digital Flight and Laminar Research, the design brief for this contest was to create a small general aviation aircraft using a single Williams FJX-2 jet engine. Offering 700 lbs. of thrust in a package weighing less then 100 lbs, this engine opened the door to some very interesting and creative designs. Presented here are the top ten design entries.

Skyshark - Best Overall Winner

Designer - Gerald Rader
Maximum Speed - 308 knots
Range - 890 NM

Contest Design Requirements

Type – Pressurized single engine GA jet.

Power – 1 - Williams FJX-2 turbofan

Minimum dry weight incl. engine – 1500 lbs.

Passenger capacity – 2 adults (360 lbs., min)

Cargo capacity – 150 lbs.

Minimum fuselage body radius - 2 feet

coefficient of drag - 0.05

FJX-2 Turbofan Specifications:

Weight – 100 lbs.
Diameter – 14.5”
Length – 41”
Thrust – 700 lbs
Type - high bypass
Inlet area – 1.15 sq. ft.
SFC - 0.85
Inlet mach number – 0.85

Note: quoted speeds and range are based on observed performance at 20,000 using X Plane default settings.

Contest rankings were based on the following areas:

Range

Speed

Economy

Stability and handling

Appearance (design originality)

CONTEST JUDGES:

Tony Gondola, Greg Hofler & Austin Meyer

Congratulations and thanks go out to all who entered the contest. Hopefully, it's been a learning experience for everyone who took part. Thank you all very much!