Cirrus Vision SF50

Cirrus Vision SF50
Vision SF50
SF50 mock-up
Role Very light jet
Manufacturer Cirrus Design
First flight July 3, 2008
Number built 1 prototype[1]
Unit cost USD$1Mil - 1.25Mil (est.)[2][3]
Cirrus Vision SF50

The Cirrus Vision SF50 is a single-engine, low-wing, seven-seat, very light jet aircraft under development by Cirrus Design.

The aircraft was initially developed under the project name "The Jet", but Cirrus announced the final marketing name of "Vision SJ50" on July 9, 2008. In March the aircraft was redesignated as the "Vision SF50".[4][5][6][7]

The prototype aircraft was first shown publicly at the annual Cirrus Migration on June 26, 2008[1] and first flown on 3 July 2008.[8][9]

The SF50 is intended to be a step up aircraft for pilots who have flown the Cirrus SR20 and SR22.[6]

Contents

Development

The Vision SF50 is not intended to compete with very light jets like the Eclipse 500 and the Cessna Citation Mustang. It is intended for the personal use market and will be comparable to the Diamond Aircraft Industries D-Jet.[citation needed]

The aircraft will be equipped with a Ballistic Recovery Systems parachute and will be made of a composite material.[6]

Cirrus began taking $100,000 deposits for the aircraft in 2006. Initially, as a public relations exercise, the company gave deposit holders a drawing of the aircraft in the form of a jigsaw puzzle, one piece at a time. On 28 June 2007, the entire puzzle was completed, and the aircraft's configuration was unveiled.[10]

In December 2006 Cirrus announced that its product will be the "slowest, lowest, and cheapest jet available."[11] The SF50 will be powered by a single Williams FJ33-4A-19 engine, producing 1,900 pounds-force (8,500 N) of thrust and is expected to cruise at about 300 knots (560 km/h). The SF50 will seat seven people, with the cockpit, second row and the third row each seating two. There will be a seat that can slide between the second and third row or be removed entirely. The parachute will be located in the nose.[6]

The L-3 SmartDeck was used as the avionics package during the development phase of the SF50 but was replaced with the Garmin G1000 for the production version. As a result of this change L-3 Avionic Systems announced in June 2009 that they are suing Cirrus for US$18M.[12][13][14][15]

On 22 May 2008, at EBACE 2008, Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier confirmed that the company currently has 400 refundable deposits of USD$100,000 for the aircraft.[4][16]

On Wednesday 3 December 2008 CEO Alan Klapmeier and Vice President for Advanced Development Mike Van Staggen provided an update on the aircraft's development. Klapmeier confirmed that the SF50 is not intended for corporate or air-taxi use, but is being developed for personal-use and that market will determine the design. Klapmeier confirmed that the prototype has flown 120 hours and that expectations have been met. Completed test flying includes proving the whole center of gravity envelope, in-flight engine shut-down and re-start. He confirmed that stall testing is still being conducted.[2]

The aircraft's aerodynamic design has been modified based on the test flights completed and the use of computer models with the aim of increasing performance. Changes include altering the engine thrust angle, which has made a large improvement. On the final production aircraft the right side door has been eliminated to save weight. The door will be replaced by an emergency egress hatch. The production aircraft will also have a more pointed nose, larger belly section, redesigned wing-root fairing, reduced tail sweep and a larger or even dual ventral fin.[2]

Klapmeier confirmed that the aircraft's maximum payload will be 1,200 pounds. With full fuel it will carry 400 pounds of people and cargo. Klapmeier indicated that the trade-off between range and payload was based on customer consultations, which indicated that owners will often fly longer trips solo. Target range will be 1,100 nmi (2,037 km) at a maximum cruise speed of 300 kn (556 km/h).[2]

Klapmeier indicated that an Federal Aviation Administration type certificate application will be ready in mid-December 2008 but, due to high fees on this class of aircraft in Europe, European Aviation Safety Agency certification will not be sought immediately. Klapmeier indicated that the fees EASA charges to certify an aircraft are unreasonable. The FAA does not charge any fees to certify an aircraft. Klapmeier stated: "We're not filing because we're not paying."[2][3]

Cirrus announced that pilot training requirements will be specified in the type certificate, in a similar manner to the Eclipse 500, making training a legal requirement.[2]

In December 2008 the price for the SF50 was estimated to be USD$1 million (base)[2] and USD$1.25 Million (equipped)[3] when production commences.

In July 2009 the company announced that the test program had completed 200 hours of flight time. The aircraft will incorporate some design changes, including an X tail, simpler and lighter flaps and changes to the handling so that the aircraft pitches up on power application instead of down. The company confirmed that they have about 400 orders for the aircraft, although some deposit refunds have been issued. First deliveries now anticipated in 2012, depending on capital funding.[17]

On 2 September 2009 the company announced that the maximum price for purchasers who have already paid a deposit will be US$1.39M. This will provide customers with an aircraft equipped to a similar standard as the current SR22 GTS model. For new customers who pay a US$100,000 deposit before the end of 2009 the price will be US$1.55M. Beginning on 1 January 2010 the price will be US$1.72M, with a US$50,000 deposit, all in 2009 dollars.[18][19]

In November 2009 the company announced that development of the SF50 had slowed due to inability to raise the capital needed in the post-test flying phase. Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters indicated that unless financing is found that deliveries will not start until after 2012.[20]

In January 2010 the company confirmed that the project does not have a timeline for certification or deliveries. CEO Brent Wouters stated: "It's a function of cash flow ... We will get the program done as soon as humanly possible." As of January 2010 the company has 428 position holders, with order increasing at about one to two per week. The test aircraft had accumulated 236 hours.[21]

Also in January 2010 some parameters for the jet's design were confirmed. The aircraft will be certified for FL280. It will have a hybrid ice protection system consisting of urethane pneumatic boots. The cabin pressurization will be contained within a single-piece carbon shell. The aircraft will have an optional lavatory and will fit in a standard US-style 40 ft (12 m) Tee hangar.[21]

In June 2010 the company announced that it expected to start building a conforming prototype by the end of 2010 and having it flying by the end of 2011. Certification is forecast for the middle of 2013. The company is also proceeding with the full-aircraft parachute design, a component that company CEO Wouters described as "high-risk".[22]

As of June 2010 Cirrus reported that they had 431 orders for the aircraft, which was priced at US$1.72M at that time. Deposits made after 1 January 2010 are non-refundable.[22]

Proposed program purchase

On 26 June 2009 it was reported by AvWeb that Cirrus Design co-founder and former CEO Alan Klapmeier intended to buy the SF50 project from Cirrus Design and its major shareholder Arcapita and produce the aircraft himself under a new company. The new venture received financial advice from Merrill Lynch. Klapmeier indicated that his reason for wanting to take over the project was to increase the speed of development. Current Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters responded by saying that the company intends to proceed with the SF50 program itself, but would listen to Klapmeier's proposal.[23][24][25]

On Monday 27 July 2009 Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters and co-founder Dale Klapmeier stated at a press conference that they would find a way to produce the SF50, either at Cirrus or through selling it to Alan Klapmeier. They both indicated that the key factor was raising enough capital to proceed with the project, complete certification and commence production.[17]

On Friday 31 July 2009 Alan Klapmeier announced that his offer to buy the SF50 program had not succeeded, with the key issue the program selling price, as well as other points and that the negotiations were at an end. Wouters responded saying further talks were possible, but that Cirrus would continue to develop the SF50 in house.[26][27]

Operators

In July 2008, SATSair, an air taxi company 25% owned by Cirrus, ordered five Cirrus Vision SF50s to add to its fleet of Cirrus SR22 piston aircraft.[28][29] SATSair subsequently ceased operations on 24 October 2009, prior to taking delivery of any SF50s.[30]

Production location

On December 27 2007 Cirrus Design secured a lease for former Northwest Airlines hangar at Duluth International Airport, indicating that it will use the 189,000-square-foot (17,600 m2) building for construction of the Cirrus jet project.[31]

Specifications (Vision SF50)

Reference: Cirrus brochure[32]

  • Crew: 1-2
  • Capacity: 7
  • Height: TBD
  • Length: TBD
  • Weight (Empty): TBD
  • Wingspan: 38.4 feet (11.7 m)
  • Max takeoff weight: 6,000 lb (2727 kg)
  • Cabin payload: 1,000 lb (450 kg)
  • Maximum fuel: 1,800 lb (820 kg)
  • full fuel payload: 400 lb (140 kg)
  • Pressurization 5.5 psi, providing a maximum cabin altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) at FL 250

Performance

  • Powerplant: 1 × Williams FJ33-4A-19
  • Thrust: 1,900 lbf (8.5 kN)
  • Cruise speed:300 knots (560 km/h)
  • Range: 1,100 nm (2037 km)(Target NBAA range with reserves, with 400 lbs,300 kn)
  • Rate of climb: ~3,000 ft/min (15 m/s)
  • Maximum Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7600 m)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Niles, Russ (June 2008). "Cirrus Rolls Out 'The Jet'". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusRollsOut_TheJet_198192-1.html. Retrieved 2008-06-27. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Grady, Mary (December 2008). "Cirrus Vision Jet Update". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusVisionJetUpdate_199336-1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-04. 
  3. ^ a b c Charter X (December 2008). "Cirrus Snubs EASA Over Vision Jet Certification Fees". http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=3713. Retrieved 2008-12-11. 
  4. ^ a b Russ Niles (2008-05-22). "Cirrus Updates Jet Program, Shows Pictures". http://www.avweb.com/news/ebace/EBACE2008_Cirrus_TheJet_Update_Photos_197948-1.html. Retrieved 2008-04-23. 
  5. ^ Paul Passi (2008-07-09). "Cirrus jet renamed". http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=70095&section=homepage. Retrieved 2008-07-10. [dead link]
  6. ^ a b c d Cirrus Design (2008). "Cirrus Vision SJ50". http://www.the-jet.com/pdf/specifications.pdf. Retrieved 2008-12-18. 
  7. ^ Cirrus Design (undated). "Cirrus Vision SF50". http://www.cirrusaircraft.com/vision/specifications.pdf?popup=true. Retrieved 2009-04-02. 
  8. ^ Aero-news.net (July 2008). "N280CJ Sees Light Under ALL Its Wheels". http://www.aero-news.net/#d. Retrieved 2008-07-03. 
  9. ^ Pew, Glenn (July 2008). "Cirrus' The-Jet Flies, July 3". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cirrus_TheJet_First_Flight_198239-1.html. Retrieved 2008-07-04. 
  10. ^ Niles, Russ (April 2007). "Cirrus 'the-jet' Image Emerges". http://www.avweb.com/news/snf/SunNFun2007_CirrusThe-Jet_JigsawPuzzle_195000-1.html. Retrieved 2007-12-31. 
  11. ^ Aero News Network (April 2007). "Cirrus Set To Unveil 'The-Jet' Mockup". http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=994a3bc4-32db-46a9-a6a2-1a12b3d78f78. Retrieved 04 February 2011. 
  12. ^ Russ Niles (2007-09-27). "L-3 SmartDeck Chosen for Cirrus Jet Prototype". http://www.avweb.com/news/nbaa/NBAA2007_CirrusDesign_L3CommunicationsSmartDeck_196234-1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-28. 
  13. ^ Jim Campbell (2009-01-09). "Cirrus Vision To Get Garmin Treatment". http://www.aero-news.net/news/commbus.cfm?ContentBlockID=1b391f67-c1aa-448a-8cdd-2cd09f9ad5a1&Dynamic=1. Retrieved 2009-01-30. 
  14. ^ Cirrus Design (2009-03-31). "CIRRUS AIRCRAFT AND GARMIN PARTNER FOR VISION SF50 AVIONICS". http://www.cirrusaircraft.com/about/news/presskit/press/CAGNRL-09.05%2003.31.09.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-02. 
  15. ^ AvWeb Editorial Staff (June 2009). "AVwebFlash Complete Issue: Volume 15, Number 24b". http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1397-full.html. Retrieved 2009-06-18. 
  16. ^ Alton K. Marsh (2008-07-30). "Cirrus Vision SJ50 quietly greets public". http://www.aopa.org/oshkosh08/articles/080730cirrus.html. Retrieved 2008-08-06. 
  17. ^ a b Grady, Mary (July 2009). "Cirrus On The Vision Jet: "We Will Get It Done"". http://www.avweb.com/news/airventure/EAAAirVenture2009_CirrusVisionJet_200813-1.html. Retrieved 2009-07-28. 
  18. ^ Grady, Mary (September 2009). "Cirrus Sets $1.39 Million Intro Price For Vision Jet". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusSetsIntroPriceForVisionJet_201098-1.html. Retrieved 2009-09-06. 
  19. ^ Cirrus Aircraft (September 2009). "CIRRUS ANNOUNCES 2009 PRICING FOR REVOLUTIONARY VISION SF50 PERSONAL JET". http://news.cirrusaircraft.com/post/2009/09/02/CIRRUS-ANNOUNCES-2009-PRICING-FOR-REVOLUTIONARY-VISION-SF50-PERSONAL-JET.aspx. Retrieved 2009-09-06. [dead link]
  20. ^ Grady, Maty (November 2009). "Cirrus Jet In Capital Crunch, But Progressing". http://www.avweb.com/news/aopa/AOPASummit2009_CirrusJetCapitalCrunch_201462-1.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  21. ^ a b Grady, Mary (January 2010). "Cirrus Updates Jet Progress". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusUpdatesJetProgress_201918-1.html. Retrieved 2010-01-28. 
  22. ^ a b Grady, Mary (June 2010). "Cirrus Moving Forward With Vision Jet". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusMovingForwardWithVisionJet_202658-1.html. Retrieved 3 June 2010. 
  23. ^ Niles, Russ (June 2009). "Klapmeier Makes Play For Cirrus Jet". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/KlapmeierMakesPlayForCirrusJet_200623-1.html. Retrieved 2009-06-26. 
  24. ^ Niles, Russ (July 2009). "Klapmeier Lays Out Jet Plans". http://www.avweb.com/podcast/podcast/AudioPodcast_AlanKlapmeier_CirrusVisionSF50Jet_200668-1.html. Retrieved 2009-07-07. 
  25. ^ Niles, Russ (June 2009). "The Future Of Cirrus's Jet". http://www.avweb.com/podcast/podcast/AudioPodcast_BrentWouters_CirrusVisionJet_200619-1.html?kw=AVwebAudio. Retrieved 2009-06-27. 
  26. ^ Niles, Russ (July 2009). "Klapmeier Jet Deal Collapses". http://www.avweb.com/news/airventure/EAAAirVenture2009_AlanKlapmeier_CirrusSF50VisionJet_200890-1.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  27. ^ Niles, Russ (July 2009). "Cirrus Says More Jet Talks Possible". http://www.avweb.com/news/airventure/EAAAirVenture2009_CirrusVisionJet_200892-1.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  28. ^ George C. Larson (2007-07-31). "SATSair Will Order Cirrus Vision SJ50". http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/SATS08018.xml. Retrieved 2008-08-06. 
  29. ^ Grady, Mary (August 2008). "Cirrus SJ50 Vision Jet Chosen For SATSair Air-Taxi Operations". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusSJ50VisionJetChosen_ForSATSairAirTaxiOperations_198552-1.html. Retrieved 2008-08-07. 
  30. ^ Niles, Russ (October 2009). "SATSAir Shuts Down". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/SATSAirShutsDown_201394-1.html. Retrieved 2010-00-13. 
  31. ^ Saini, Meredith (December 2007). "Cirrus Secures Jet Plant Space". http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/CirrusDesign_TheJet_Plant_DuluthMinnesota_196855-1.html. Retrieved 2007-12-31. 
  32. ^ Cirrus Aircraft (undated). "Cirrus Vision". http://cirrusaircraft.com/brochure/vision.htm?popup=true. Retrieved 11 June 2010. 

External links

v · d · eCirrus aircraft

VK-30 · SR20 (SRV) · SR22 · SR Sport (SRS) · Vision SF50
v · d · eLists relating to aviation
General
Aircraft (manufacturers) · Aircraft engines (manufacturers) · Airlines (defunct) · Airports · Civil authorities · Museums · Registration prefixes · Rotorcraft (manufacturers) · Timeline
Military
Accidents/incidents
Records

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Cirrus Aircraft — Type Private Industry Aerospace Founded 1984 Headquarters Dul …   Wikipedia

  • Cirrus SJ50 — Vision …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Cirrus Aviation — Cirrus Aircraft Тип Private Расположение Duluth, Minnesota Отрасль Aerospace Продукция SR20, SR22, SF50 …   Википедия

  • Cirrus Design — est une entreprise américaine de construction d avions légers de loisir et d affaire créée en 1984 par Alan et Dale Klapmeier. Initialement née pour commercialiser un avion en kit, le VK 30 (en), l entreprise produit aujourd hui différentes… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Cirrus SR20 — SR20 2005 Cirrus SR20 Role Civil utility aircraft Manufacturer …   Wikipedia

  • Cirrus SR22 — SR22 Role Civil utility aircraft Manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft Produced …   Wikipedia

  • Cirrus VK-30 — VK 30 Role amateur built airplane National origin United States Manufactur …   Wikipedia

  • List of civil aircraft — For a complete listing of aircraft without descriptions, see List of aircraft. A non comprehensive list of modern civilian aircraft with descriptions. This transport related list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it. Contents:… …   Wikipedia

  • Business jet — Gulfstream IV business jet …   Wikipedia

  • Avión de negocios — Reactor de negocios Gulfstream IV. Reactor de n …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”