Private aircraft manufacturer Cobalt is taking advanced orders for its fighter jet-inspired airplanes, the Co50 Valkyrie and the Valkyrie-X. They're the San Francisco company's first two models.
The single engine piston planes can reach speeds of up to 260 knots, about 300 mph — that's faster than the typical top speed of about 280 mph. They have range of 1,050 Nautical miles (1,200 miles), as the crow flies of course.
On the beaks of these birds are canard wings, which help to keep them from stalling while airborne. There's also a parachute on board for additional peace of mind, but these things seat more than one person.
"This provides a tremendous peace of mind to pilots and ensures the industry's safest landings and takeoffs," the company explains. "Cobalt promotes the highest standards of safety in the industry. An onboard parachute is also provided for an additional sense of security."
Inside, there's room for five in their oxygenated, non-pressurized cabins. Their leather interiors were worked out by craftsmen who previously worked for luxury apparel and accessory maker Hermes of Paris.
There's only one On/Off switch on the dashboard, a place Cobalt says is perfect for docking an iPad. With the propulsion engine situated in the rear, the Valkyrie private planes offer quiet and comfort, the company promises. And pilots are taken care of too.
"Pilots flying Cobalt's Valkyrie will appreciate the beautiful, expansive visibility above and below," says Cobalt. "Valkyrie has the largest one-piece canopy in the world and unrivaled visibility with a 320-degree view."
About a decade ago, David Loury, Cobalt's founder and CEO, envisioned disrupting the aviation industry with a groundbreaking private plane, he says. In that vision, the aircraft was both "technologically sound" and "design-centric" as well.
The Co50 should be available in the Summer of 2017 and the $699,000 aircraft can be secured now for $15,000 down. The experimental Valkyrie-X, which starts at $595,000, doesn't have a release window or a deposit requirement.
