On January 8, 2019, from Duluth MN and in Knoxville TN, Cirrus Aircraft announced the next generation Vision Jet with bigger headlines – Higher, Faster and Farther.
Woe to the pilot naysayers that said, Cirrus would never get a single engine jet certified. But in 2016, the Vision Jet did receive FAA certification. Then for years, we’ve heard skeptics claim operating altitude would always be limited below 29,000 feet because Cirrus didn’t have Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) capability and other necessities for flight into higher altitudes. Wrong.
Higher, Faster and Farther
Cirrus has received certification for an expanded flight envelope to Flight Level 310 (31,000 feet), which raises the performance capabilities of the Vision Jet. Access to RVSM increases the Jet’s range to more than 1,200 nautical miles. Second, the Generation 2 added the flexibility to carry an additional 150 pounds, which significantly improves upon its typical 800 NM missions. And third, the G2 Jet pushes cruise speed even further above 300 knots. Cirrus worked with Williams International to slightly increase the FJ33-5A engine thrust.
The ability to carry more came from a decrease in airframe weight. Most of the pickup came from replacing the heavy dual lead acid batteries with lighter True Blue Power lithium ion batteries, which also deliver improved cold start capabilities.
Advanced Avionics
The Generation 2 Vision Jet has advanced avionics typically only found on high-end business jets and commercial transport aircraft. The G2 jet has Perspective Touch+ by Garmin advanced flight deck, which includes new hardware, faster processing speeds and even better screen resolution. The jet was already equipped with FADEC but Autothrottle is now available. Cirrus says, “this game-changing technology integrates with the autopilot and can automatically adjust the aircraft’s speed for each phase of flight, reducing workload and giving the pilot more time to focus on other tasks.”
The Vision flight deck includes 3D synthetic vision, SurfaceWatch, integrated crew alerts, datalink weather, active weather radar, ADS-B, satellite communications, system synoptics and more.
Cabin Experience is First Class
Cirrus has stepped up the personal travel experience with a focus on comfort and productivity. The improvements add to the spaciousness and panoramic views that are already a hallmark of the Vision Jet design.
New executive seating adds “two luxurious, artisan-crafted second row seats and an all-new center console with stow-away tables for a more productive in-flight experience. Each cabin seat is modular and can be quickly repositioned or removed by the pilot offering the flexibility of more than 25 possible seating configurations. Passengers have access to USB and 110V power outlets. An expansive flush mounted overhead monitor can be extended down to deliver best-in-class display or entertainment from your favorite device.
The Generation 2 Personal Jet has windows with UV and IR protection. The UV window protection installation started around serial number twenty (20). It’s a safety feature GA pilots and passengers should have had years ago. UV light is known to damage collagen fibers, destroys vitamin A in skin and can accelerate the aging process of skin. The new windows also keep interior temperatures more comfortable.
You can also find the UV window protection on the Cirrus G6 piston-engine airplanes. Look for a slight oil sheen appearance to the windows – that’s the UV protection.
Newly-developed noise reduction architecture further enhances the passenger environment. The G2 jet cabin is about 10 decibels quieter. Cirrus Aircraft understands the continuous spark and the grind of creativity.
Pat Waddick, president, Innovation & Operations, said,
“Much like the last twenty years of re-imagining the SR Series with constant improvements to performance, safety and comfort, the G2 Vision Jet is the culmination of that same spirit of innovation . . . .”
Everyone expects no less from the Cirrus Aircraft Team going forward, except the naysayers.
The Generation 2 Vision Jet deliveries began in January 2019 (after serial number 94). The G2 planes start at $2.38 million with a fully loaded model ramping out at $2.75 million.
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