Having received part of their external funding, Stratos Aircraft will conduct wind tunnel testing of the Stratos 714 in April/May of 2011. Design and construction of the wind tunnel model has begun and tests will be conducted over a five to ten day period.

The purpose of the program is to verify that extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies confirm aircraft performance projections. To achieve this, Stratos will build a 1/8th scale model of the 714. "Among other things, the tests will give us valuable data on lift and drag for the wing and fuselage along with a number of parameters to verify stability and control," said Alexander Craig, CEO of Stratos. "From the wind tunnel results, we'll be able to refine the profile of the Stratos 714, if needed, in anticipation of building the prototype aircraft."

Extensive engineering has defined the Stratos 714 as a single engine Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ) capable of carrying four/five people to FL 410 with cruise speeds of over 400 knots and having a range of 1500 nautical miles (with NBAA reserves).

The 714 will feature side-stick controls, a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, and fully integrated autopilot designed to lighten the pilot's workload. Landing speeds and distances are considerably less than competing twin jets, making many more airports accessible to Stratos owner/pilots.

Stratos Aircraft is now accepting $10,000 deposits on 714 delivery positions. Deposit money is escrowed in interest-bearing accounts and can be retrieved at any time. The company is still seeking investors and expects to have two flying prototype aircraft within the next two years.