The Top 5 Fastest Very-Light Business Jets In The World

Summary

Cirrus’ VisionJet leads the list of fastest very light jets, boasting a top speed of 311 knots.
The Eclipse 500 comes in next with a maximum speed of 370 knots.
Embraer’s Phenom 100 tops the list at 467 knots, making it the fastest very light business jet.

Corporate jets in the “very light” category can generally accommodate 4-5 passengers and a crew of up to two people. While these jets can only fly distances of approximately 1,200 NM, they are pretty fast in what they do.

Simple Flying has compiled a list of the fastest business jets in the very light category based on information from Embraer, Textron Aviation, Cirrus, Eclipse, and the Honda Aircraft Company.

5 Cirrus VisionJet

Maximum speed: 311 knots (358 mph, 576 km/h)

Crew: one
Capacity: six passengers
Length: 30 ft 11 in (9.42 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft 8 in (11.79 m)
Height: 10 ft 11 in (3.32 m)
Gross weight: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Cabin width × height: 5.1×4.1 ft (1.56×1.24 m)
Max payload: 1,328 lb (602 kg)
Cruise speed: 305 knots (351 mph, 565 km/h)

Starting off our list is Cirrus’ VisionJet, with a maximum speed of 311 knots (358 mph, 576 km/h). Cirrus Aircraft of Minnesota designed and developed the single-engine, very light jet. The first prototype flew in July 2008, whereas the conforming prototype flew in March 2014. The type was introduced in May 2016.

A Cirrus Vision jet on an airport apron.

Photo: Rene Dominguez | Shutterstock

The aircraft is powered by a single Williams FJ33 turbofan engine, generating 1,845 lbf (8.21 kN) of takeoff thrust. With a service ceiling of 31,000 ft (9,400 m), the aircraft can fly a range of 600 NM (690 miles, 1,100 km). The low-wing cantilever monoplane boasts composite materials on the structure and retractable landing gear. It offers a comfortable cabin for passengers.

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4 Eclipse 500

Maximum speed: 370 knots (430 mph, 690 km/h)

Crew: one or two pilots
Capacity: 4-5 passengers
Length: 33.5 ft (10.2 m)
Wingspan: 37.9 ft (11.6 m)
Height: 11.0 ft (3.4 m)
Max takeoff weight: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)

Number four on our list is Eclipse 500, which has a maximum speed of 370 knots (430 mph, 690 km/h). The very light jet was designed and developed by Eclipse Aviation of Albuquerque. In 2002, a prototype flew with two Williams EJ22 turbofan engines. Two years later, its power plants were replaced by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans, each generating 900 lbf (4 kN) of takeoff thrust.

An Eclipse 500 business jet on an airport apron.

Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock

The aircraft can have a maximum seating capacity of six people, including the flight crew. The aircraft features an all-metal airframe with a T-tail and straight wings. With a service ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,500 m), the Eclipse 500 can fly a range of 1,125 NM (1,295 miles, 2,084 km).

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3 Cessna Citation Mustang

Maximum speed: 420 knots (483 mph, 777 km/h)

Crew: one or two pilots
Capacity: 4 to 5 passengers
Length: 40 ft 7 in (12.37 m)
Wingspan: 43 ft 2 in (13.16 m)
Height: 13 ft 5 in (4.09 m)
Max takeoff weight: 8,645 lb (3,930 kg)
Cruise speed: 390 mph (630 km/h, 340 knots)

Number three on our list of fastest very light jets is the Cessna Citation Mustang, which has a maximum speed of 420 knots (483 mph, 777 km/h). Launched at the 2002 NBAA convention, the Citation Mustang was developed by Cessna, a Textron Aviation company. The aircraft took to the skies on its maiden flight in April 2005; the first delivery took place in November 2006.

A Cessna 510 Citation Mustang on the apron at Engadin Airport in Switzerland.

Photo: Mike Fuchslocher | Shutterstock

The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615 turbofan engines, each generating 1,460 lbf (6.5 kN) of takeoff thrust. With a service ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,500 m), the aircraft can fly a range of 1,167 NM (1,343 miles, 2,161 km). The low-wing cantilever monoplane with tapered wings, a T-tail, and retractable tricycle landing gear is no longer in production. The manufacturer built and delivered 479 units between 2006 and 2017.

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2 HondaJet

Maximum speed: 422 knots (486 mph, 782 km/h)

Crew: one or two pilots
Capacity: 4 to 5 passengers
Length: 42 ft 7 in (12.99 m)
Wingspan: 39 ft 9 in (12.12 m)
Height: 14 ft 11 in (4.54 m)
Max takeoff weight: 10,600 lb (4,808 kg)

Coming in as the runner-up on our list is the HondaJet, with a maximum speed of 422 knots (486 mph, 782 km/h). Designed and developed by Honda Aircraft Company, the prototype took flight in December 2003, and the first production aircraft was delivered in December 2015.

Photo: Simple Flying

The HF-420 jet is powered by two General Electric Honda Aero Engines HF-120 turbofan engines, each generating 2,050 lbf (9.1 kN) of takeoff thrust. With a seating capacity of 4-5 passengers, the aircraft can fly a range of 1,223 NM (1,407 miles, 2,265 km). The HondaJet is one of the most technologically advanced light jets, boasting over-wing engines, spacious cabin, and extraordinary operational performance.

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1 Embraer Phenom 100

Maximum speed: 467 knots (537 mph, 859 km/h)

Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
Capacity: 4 or 5 passengers
Length: 12.82 m (42 ft 1 in)
Wingspan: 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in)
Height: 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in)
Max takeoff weight: 4,800 kg (10,582 lb)
Cabin height: 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)
Cabin length: 3.35 m (11 ft)

Topping our list of the fastest very light business jets is the Embraer Phenom 100, which has a maximum speed of 467 knots (537 mph, 859 km/h). Designed and developed by Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, the first flight commenced in July 2007, and the first production aircraft was delivered in December 2008. The Phenom 100 is powered by two rear fuselage-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F turbofan engines, each generating 1,730 lbf (7.7 kN) of takeoff thrust.

An Embraer Phenom 100 flying in the sky.

Photo: Embraer

With one of the lowest MTOWs, of 10,500 lb (4,800 kg), the aircraft can seat 4-5 passengers. The type is built with approximately 20% composite materials and features a unique oval cabin. The Phenom 100 has an operational range of 1,178 NM (1,356 miles, 2,182 km).