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The BD-10 was built by Bede Jet Corporation and features a totally different design from previous Bede designed crafts. This high performance airplane flew and handled beautifully and exceeded the expectations of engineers, pilots, and even its own creator, Jim Bede.
The BD-10 was equipped with a General Electric J-85 engine, which was commonly implemented in military craft and was virtually identical to the very reliable civilian counterpart, the General Electric CJ-610, as popularized by early Lear Jets. This unique jet functioned using an all mechanic control system, eliminating the expensive, heavy–weight hydraulic system often used in jet airplanes. The BD-10 also incorporated a high functioning fuel management system that siphoned fuel accordingly and recycled the vapors. The technology soon became obsolete and the high fuel consumption rendered the engine impractical for this design. Currently, revisions are underway for the BD-10 that will allow them to be equipped with a more modern, highly efficient fan engine.
Crew: one pilot
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 28 ft 10 in (6.53 m)
Wingspan: 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m)
Height: 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m)
Wing area: 98 ft2 (9.1 m2)
Empty weight: 1,600 lb (725 kg)
Gross weight: 4,430 lb (2014 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × General Electric CJ-610, 2,950 lbf (13.12 kN) each
Maximum speed: Mach 1.4
Cruise speed: 593 mph (957 km/h)
Range: 1,550 miles (2,499 km)
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,715 m)
Rate of climb: 30,000 ft/min (152 m/s)
