Thunder

The Orion Thunder is a twin‑engine business jet that entered service in 2012 after a decade of development that began in 2002 under the codename Project Zephyr. Orion Aircraft, historically known for its rugged turboprops, aimed to break into the high‑speed, long‑range segment and the Thunder became its flagship. The airframe uses advanced carbon‑fiber reinforced polymer composites, reducing weight by 18 % while maintaining a fatigue life of 30,000 flight hours. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW3062 engines, the aircraft cruises at Mach 0.82, covering 6,200 nautical miles without refuelling, and can climb to 45,000 feet in under 15 minutes. Its cabin, configurable for up to twelve passengers, features a pressurised, low‑noise environment, fiber‑optic lighting, and a fully digital avionics suite built around the Orion Flight Management System, which integrates satellite communication, predictive weather avoidance, and automated flight‑path optimization. The Thunder’s entry reshaped corporate aviation by offering trans‑continental range at a price point previously limited to larger jets, prompting competing manufacturers to adopt composite structures and next‑generation avionics. Today it remains a benchmark for efficiency, comfort, and technological integration in the midsize jet market.

Orion

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Design & Classification