>> Flightline | Jet Pitts
The only jet-powered biplane
At the controls of the Jet Pitts G-JPIT, Rich Goodwin is electrifying European air shows with an absolutely unique aircraft. A former Royal Air Force Tornado pilot and Boeing 767 captain, Rich specialises in extreme aerobatics. His Jet Pitts is the culmination of a crazy project started in 2014: to design the very first twin-engine Pitts Special with mixed propulsion, combining a piston engine and two jet turbines.
An extraordinary machine
The G-JPIT has been completely rebuilt around a new oversized wing, designed by Eddie Saurenman, a specialist in experimental aerobatic aircraft. These wings offer exceptional manoeuvrability, thanks in particular to gigantic ailerons that ensure an insane roll rate. The two ATM Lynx Jet turbines, fuelled by sustainable aviation fuel, deliver a combined thrust of 700 lbs, which is added to that of the Lycoming 8.5-litre engine. With a total thrust of 1,700 lbs for a weight of just 1,550 lbs, the aircraft boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio, enabling explosive demonstrations. After making its flight debut in 2019, the Jet Pitts caused a sensation at its first official presentations in 2023.
Technical specifications
Model: Pitts Special modified ‘Jet Pitts
Main engine: Lycoming 8.5 litre piston engine
Additional turbine: 2 × ATM Lynx Jet
Total thrust: 1,700 lbs (≈ 770 kg)
Empty weight: 1,550 lbs (≈ 703 kg)
Construction: modified airframe, oversized high-performance wings
Special feature: the world’s only biplane with mixed piston/reaction propulsion
Operator: Rich Goodwin Airshows Pilot: Richard Goodwin