About the CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SF50
The Cirrus Vision SF50, often referred to as the Cirrus Vision Jet, represents a significant evolution in general aviation, particularly in the realm of personal jet travel. Its inception can be traced back to Cirrus Design Corporation's aspiration to bridge the gap between high-performance piston aircraft and light business jets. As the world's first single-engine personal jet, the Vision SF50 melds the versatility of a general aviation aircraft with the performance and comfort of a small jet, aimed primarily at owner-operators who previously had limited choices beyond complex twin-engine setups or larger, more expensive jets.
Cirrus began conceptualizing the Vision Jet in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating an aircraft that was not only innovative and advanced but also practical for personal use. The official announcement came in 2008, and the first prototype was unveiled shortly thereafter. Extensive development and rigorous testing followed, culminating in the Vision SF50 receiving its FAA type certification in October 2016. This marked a milestone for both Cirrus and the general aviation community, as Cirrus had managed to introduce an entirely new class of aircraft to the market.
Key Features and Capabilities
The Vision Jet is powered by a single Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan engine, capable of delivering 1,846 pounds of thrust. It is designed to carry up to seven occupants, including the pilot, with a maximum cruise speed of around 300 knots and a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles. One of the standout features of the Vision SF50 is its inclusion of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a whole-aircraft parachute system that significantly enhances safety—a hallmark of Cirrus aircraft.
Designed for ease of use, the SF50 incorporates a sophisticated avionics suite, the Garmin G3000-based Cirrus Perspective Touch+, which simplifies the piloting experience. This aircraft fills a niche market, offering a perfect blend of performance, safety, and luxury for private pilots, small business owners, and air taxi operators. The Cirrus Vision Jet thus stands as a testament to innovative design and commitment to expanding the horizons of personal aviation.