SAN FRANCISCO — Cobalt reports it received more than $50 million in pre-orders for the company’s first two models — the Co50 Valkyrie and the Valkyrie-X — within the first 90 days.
The fully certified version, Co50 Valkyrie, and the experimental version, Valkyrie-X, were publicly introduced Nov. 12, 2015.
Upon opening the order book, Cobalt officials said they received hundreds of inquiries to buy the plane, including 29 orders that were placed in the first 24 hours. Many of the interested buyers are from top technology companies in Silicon Valley like Google and Apple, officials note.
The company reports it also has received strong pre-order sales in top international markets, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Brazil.
“Cobalt’s initial pre-orders have exceeded my expectations,” said David Loury, founder and chief executive officer of Cobalt.
Specifications
- 5-seat Single Engine Piston
- Turbocharged 350-hp, retractable, IFR-capable
- Oxygenized non-pressurized
- Cruise range: 1,050 nautical miles
- Exact dimensions: 30 feet long x 30 feet wide x 10 feet high
Pricing and Availability
The Valkyrie-X starts at $595,000 and can be secured with a $15,000 deposit, with an estimated production period of six months from order date.
The type certified Co50 Valkyrie costs $699,000 and is available for U.S. pre-order with a $15,000 deposit. The Co50 Valkyrie is targeted for availability in 2017.
I looked at the Raptor website. The website said they need 1000 deposits to start production.1000 deposits at $2000 each is $2 million to start production. That is an extremely low initial investment for any aircraft. The website said they have 350+ deposits. I wish you and the Raptor aircraft company the best. Hope they succeed. The Cobalt looks really cool. Appears Cobalt is funded for production. I’m like you – I would prefer the Raptor. Range, pressurization, speed and economy, at least on paper.
Cool looking airplane but has 25% of the range, not pressurized, and have no idea what the speed is.
I have ordered the Raptor which I feel is 300% more Aircraft at 25% of the cost. When certified the Raptor will probably be at the $600K price level but still delivers more bang for the buck.
http://www.Raptor-Aircraft.com
That doesn’t sound like 25% of the price of the Valkyrie. Your raptor seems pretty cool but how likely is it to even happen?
Raptor looks a lot like the Velocity XL-5
http://velocityaircraft.com/
Most any canard pusher will resemble the Vari Easy designed by Burt Rutan.
Hard to say if the Raptor will ever really get there.
40 to 45% of a new AC price is insurance to protect the assets of the mfg. from the blood sucking attys so what is a good price to pay for a new design? The down side is that if it does not ever fly I am out a whole $65.00 and the money is returned to me from my escrow account.
My biggest concern is my health and will I be able to pass a 3rd class medical. I will be close to 80 when it gets built (if the progress holds) and having flown for 65 years to this point, maybe it is time to hang the spurs up.