The Cirrus Vision SF50, referred to as the Vision Jet, has made a major impact within the aviation industry since its introduction 15 years ago. It’s a very light jet (VLJ) designed to cater to the needs of each personal and business users.
Let’s explore the history of the Cirrus Vision Jet, its technical characteristics, progressive features, and its newest variants.
The aircraft’s history and purpose
The Cirrus Vision Jet, created by Cirrus Aircraft based in Duluth, Minnesota, was introduced in 2008 as a single-engine, low-wing aircraft. It took to the skies for the primary time on July 3, 2008.
The Vision Jet was manufactured to meet the demand for a more accessible and user-friendly private jet. Cirrus Aircraft identified the necessity for an aircraft that might be suitable for private travel, in addition to serve the necessities of small businesses and regional transportation. By offering a novel combination of safety, affordability, simplicity, and advanced technology, Vision Jet aimed to make private air travel easier for a broader range of people.
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Financial troubles at Cirrus
Cirrus faced some financial challenges in the course of the development of Vision Jet. In 2009, on account of the worldwide economic downturn, the corporate encountered financial difficulties and needed to temporarily suspend production. In 2011, Cirrus was acquired by the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA), a Chinese enterprise that provided the vital funding for the project.
Following a decade of development fraught with financial troubles and technical hurdles, Vision Jet received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 28, 2016. This significant milestone marked the Cirrus Vision as one in every of the primary single-engine jet to acquire type certification. Moreover, Cirrus secured approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in May 2017, allowing them to meet 15% of their orders scheduled for Europe.
Technical characteristics
The technical characteristics of the Cirrus Vision Jet are impressive. As a VLJ, it could accommodate as much as six passengers and one pilot. The Vision Jet is supplied with a Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, which generates a thrust of 1,800 kilos. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 345 KTAS (knots true airspeed) and offers a spread of roughly 1,200 nautical miles.
Specifications of G2+ are as follows:
Weight and dimensions
Category | Specs |
Empty Weight | 3,550 lbs (1,610 kg) |
Maximum Takeoff Weight | 6,000 lbs (2,727 kg) |
Maximum Payload | 1,350 lbs (612 kg) |
Fuel Capability | 2,000 kilos (910 kg) |
Wingspan | 38.7 ft (11.8 m) |
Length | 30.7 ft (9.4 m) |
Height | 10.9 ft (3.32 m) |
Performance
Category | Specs |
Maximum Altitude | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
Maximum Speed | 345 KTAS |
Maximum Cruise Speed | 311 KTAS |
Stall Speed | 67 KCAS (knots calibrated airspeed) |
Maximum Range | 1,275 nautical miles (2,222 km) |
Takeoff Distance | 2,036 ft (620 m) |
Landing Groundroll | 1,628 ft (496 m) |
Engine Manufacturer/Model/Thrust | Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan/ FJ33-5A/ 1,846 lbs |
Fuel Consumption | 462 lbs (210 kg)/h maximum cruise, 315 lbs (143 kg)/h economical cruise |
Recent technologies on board
The most recent Vision Jet G2+ model introduced in 2021 incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including the Cirrus Perspective Touch+ avionics suite. This advanced system provides pilots with intuitive controls, synthetic vision, traffic monitoring, and automatic safety features, enhancing situational awareness and improving overall flight safety.
Vision Jet also offers a high level of safety and reassurance with the combination of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute Recovery System – CAPS and Secure Return emergency autoland feature. Once activated, this technique takes control of the aircraft, autonomously guiding it to the closest airport for a protected landing.
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Cabin design
The cabin of the Cirrus Vision Jet is designed to tailor convenient business commodities. It offers seating for as much as six passengers, with ample legroom and panoramic windows, providing an expansive view of the environment. The aircraft’s cabin includes features resembling reclining seats, fold-out tables, and a spacious baggage compartment.
The Cirrus Vision Jet provides versatile seating options with three different configurations: family seating, executive seating, and complete seating. Family seating offers a comforting arrangement where passengers can face one another, accommodating as much as five adults and two children. Executive seating features a console in the center, providing a more skilled setup for 4 adults. The whole seating option combines the perfect of each worlds, offering a variation that mixes family seating with the addition of executive seating elements.
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Cirrus Vision Jet variants
G2 Vision Jet
On January 8, 2019, the upgraded G2 version of the aircraft was unveiled, introducing significant enhancements. These improvements included the addition of a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), allowing for a better ceiling of 31,000 ft (9,400 m) and lengthening the range to greater than 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 km). Alternatively, it offered the pliability of carrying an extra 150 lbs (68 kg) of payload over 800 nautical miles (1,500 km).
The G2 variant was equipped with several notable features, resembling an autothrottle, an updated flight deck, and upgrades to the cabin. This resulted in an increased cruise speed, transitioning from 304 knots (563 km/h) to 311 knots (576 km/h). Furthermore, the bottom price of the aircraft was adjusted to $2.38 million, which could reach $2.75 million with optional features.
G2+
Cirrus made an announcement on July 20, 2021 regarding the introduction of the G2+ variant of the Vision Jet. This upgraded version offers a remarkable 20% boost in take-off performance together with the inclusion of in-flight WiFi. Furthermore, the G2+ model boasts a rather prolonged range and an increased payload capability.
As of 2023, the equipped price of the G2+ variant was set at $3.25 million, making it the least expensive private aircraft in the market.
Watch to search out out in regards to the other six least expensive private jets in the marketplace:
Production
Since its introduction, the Cirrus Vision Jet has generated significant interest, leading to a formidable variety of aircraft deliveries by December 2022, reaching a complete of 418 units.
Notably, Vision SF50 secured its position because the top-delivered business jet not only in 2022 but in addition in previous years, including 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.