Meet the ‘Batplane’ Valkyrie: The fastest piston in the sky
Today it’s rare to see a private aircraft design make it to commercial reality, while offering something completely new.
So we were so excited by the official launch of the Valkyrie last week, which is already being compared to a futuristic fighter jet, or even a Batmobile in the sky.
The already-certified Co50 Valkyrie and its experimental successor, the Valkyrie-X, are now both available for pre-order from San Francisco-based startup manufacturer Cobalt. With deliveries planned for next summer.
The small but sleek Valkyrie is the new fastest single piston aircraft in the sky. The 5-seater aircraft can fly at speeds of up to 260 knots (Mach 0.39), as opposed to the typical 240 knots of other aircraft in this category. And it offers a range of 1,050 nm.
The aircraft’s design is very distinctive. Its unusual shape is generated by its expansive one-piece canopy – which gives passengers an unobstructed 320 degree view – and its canard forewing.
This additional front wing is part of the aircraft’s advanced safety system (which also includes an emergency recovery parachute) and prevents it from stalling.
The innovation isn’t confined to the exterior. The Valkyrie’s turbocharged 350-HP Continental engine is mounted at the rear of the fuselage to minimize cabin noise and its Garmin avionics feature iPad-style touchscreens.
And the cabin design is best described as ultra-modern luxury, featuring hand-stitched leather seating.
Cobalt was formed by French entrepreneur David Loury, who previously worked as an engineer at Airbus Group. The company raised its seed capital in 2008 and now has 78 shareholders, including Airbus executives.
Loury said he wanted build an aircraft that was easier and safer to fly by incorporating Silicon Valley design sensibilities:
“10 years ago, I had a vision to disrupt the aviation industry with an innovative private aircraft, that is not only technologically sound and safe, but also design-centric and luxurious”.
“Today, Cobalt is no longer just a prototype”.
Cobalt are targeting owners of the Cirrus SR22, the Valkyrie’s closest rival and a commercial success in recent years.
The purchase price of the Valkyrie has been set at $600,000, below the $637,000 starting price for a Cirrus. So it’s going to be interesting indeed to watch this rivalry play out.
While we wait for the Valkyrie, our Flight Team can advise on other piston private aircraft charter. Contact us or call +44 1747 642 777 (24 hours).
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