The second K3 Pterodactyl prototype with a boosted ducted fan and improved power cells has begun flight trials and performance is now said to be to specification. The only black mark is that the acoustic signature, while much lower than a conventional jet in pure duct fan mode, is higher than expected. This is not so important with the K3 which is a trainer though will be a key feature of the later K58 COIN version.
Clone engineers think that aerodynamic refinements will reduce the noise the K3 makes and also improve efficiency. The K3 will enter production and service next year.
The K3 is a dual propulsion type with a conventional turbofan and an electric ducted fan. It used fuel cell and solar technologies to augment traditional jet fuel.
