A Vision of the Future
“The level of automation, especially with the auto throttle, cannot be understated”
Despite its critics, the SF50 is the only one of many similar designs from name-brand manufactures to make it to production. It sold well and went on to win the prestigious Collier Trophy. In 2018 Cirrus delivered 63 SF50s – with 22 in the third quarter. Getting aircraft out the door brings in the cash for innovation.
At the time there were some desirable improvements: better take-off and climb performance, an ability to fly higher, more efficiency, and a little more speed – but not too much such that those SR22 pilots would get into trouble. There was also a faint hope for an auto throttle.
Cirrus delivers
In January this year, Cirrus announced the G2 model. The Vision Jet could now go higher, faster and further. An expanded flight envelope to Flight Level 310 raised the performance and capabilities of the aircraft. It gave access to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) flight levels, increasing the jet’s range to 1200 nm. On a typical mission, a G2 can carry an additional 68 kg on an 800-nm trip and pushes the top cruise speed well above 300 KTAS.
Also included were Perspective Touch+
