V-Jet II

The V‑Jet II was a pioneering very light jet developed by Williams International in the early 1990s. Conceived as a two‑seat, single‑engine business aircraft, it first flew on 11 October 1996, becoming the first production aircraft to be powered exclusively by a Williams FJ33 turbofan. The prototype, designated the V‑Jet II, demonstrated that a compact, fuel‑efficient turbine could drive a viable civil jet, a concept that had previously been limited to larger, more expensive platforms. Key features included an all‑composite airframe, a 1.5‑meter-wide cabin, retractable landing gear, and a digital flight‑control system that delivered smooth handling and low operating costs. The aircraft’s thrust‑to‑weight ratio and high‑altitude performance allowed cruise speeds up to Mach 0.78 and a range of roughly 1 200 nautical miles with standard fuel. Although Williams halted direct production in 1998, the design was sold to Eclipse Aviation, evolving into the highly successful Eclipse 500, which helped launch the modern very‑light jet market. The V‑Jet II thus stands as a milestone that proved small turbine‑powered jets were commercially feasible, influencing subsequent designs and expanding access to jet travel for private owners and flight schools. Its legacy endures in training curricula and in the continued evolution of ultra‑efficient personal jets.

Williams International

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification