24 April 2013
Cirrus has offered an update of its plans for 2013, with the Generation 5 SR22T and Vision Jet at the forefront of its development.
The SR series of aircraft has now been a market-leading product for 15 years over which time its seen the introduction of the Perspective by Garmin, certified FIKI, electronic stability and protection, hypoxia recognition systems and a fifth (albeit very small) seat. The latest addition has been an impressive increase of 200lb on the useful load, along with an upgraded parachute recovery system, a 50% increase in the flap extension speed to 150kt, a wheel-fairing redesign and the integrated digital fuel gauges.
Drawing more on aesthetic changes, there’s also an option for what is described as a ‘Vision inspired’ SR22T, which incorporates design finish elements of the much-talked about jet, including elements such as upholstery finish, paint options and brushed aluminium on the lights and vents – along with the option to reserve a position on the Vision Jet.
Patrick Waddick, the new President and COO of Cirrus Aircraft, also took the opportunity to offer an update on the Vision Jet, explaining that while at last year’s AERO Cirrus announced its decision to accelerate the aircraft’s programme, it now has more than 150 people working on the programme, with tooling in place ready to start manufacturing and 540 deposit holders already received. The price of the aircraft was confirmed at $1.96m, with a $100,000 deposit required to secure a position.
Waddick also announced that they plan to see the Jet take its first flight during the first quarter of 2014 with the first delivery in the fourth quarter of 2015. As expected, Cirrus will seek FAA certification prior to EASA – no surprise there…
<a href=’http://www.cirrus.com ‘ target=’_blank’>www.cirrus.com</a>
