SR20 Gets SVT, Enhanced Vision Added As Option To
Perspective
Times are tough for Duluth, MN-based Cirrus Design, as the
piston engine market suffers under the throes of a troubled
economy... but the company nevertheless continues to provide its
own unique vision to the industry, and to its customers. At AOPA
Expo 2008, Cirrus announced two noteworthy additions to its SR20
and SR22 line.
The biggest news by far is that Cirrus will now offer Enhanced
Vision in conjunction with its popular Garmin G1000-based Cirrus
Perspective avionics suite... giving even greater situational
awareness to pilots of Cirrus aircraft.
Perspective EVS is based upon the Max-Viz EVS-600 multi-sensor
system that blends visible light with traditional infra-red
imagery. Perspective EVS offers advantages to pilots during
virtually all phases of their flight: taxi; take-off and climb;
en-route; approach and landing.
In particular, the ability to "see" clouds at night and avoiding
potential icing conditions, turbulence or thunderstorms is
invaluable with the new system.
"The capability of the SR20, SR22 and Turbo has changed the way
Cirrus owners use their aircraft. Perspective EVS adds another
dimension of safety for night operations," said Cirrus Chairman and
CEO Alan Klapmeier. "This complements and builds on Garmin’s
Synthetic Vision Technology - which shows what should be there
… now Perspective EVS shows you what is really there."
Perspective EVS is priced at $14,900, and is available only on
the 12-inch Garmin screens. Cirrus says the more than 200 current
owners of Perspective-equipped aircraft will have access to that
price, including installation.
And speaking of Cirrus Perspective... owners of new SR20
aircraft will also have the option of synthetic vision. Cirrus
Perspective by Garmin will now be available in new SR20 aircraft
for delivery in early 2009, in celebration of the 10th anniversary
of certification for Cirrus' first mass-market aircraft.
"As the first aircraft OEM to offer the Garmin 430 ten years
ago, it is only natural that the very latest Garmin avionics suite
would be offered across the entire Cirrus product line," Klapmeier
said. "Cirrus Perspective by Garmin in the SR22 has been extremely
well received since its introduction in May of 2008. Ultimately,
with Cirrus Perspective pilots fly smoother, smarter and
safer."
Cirrus Perspective in the SR20 will be available in either 10 or
12 inch screens, and will have the same capabilities as in the
primary functions of the current system in the SR22. Additional
primary features in Cirrus Perspective are its dual, solid state
Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS). A key feature of the
dual AHRS system, is its ability to self-align and restart while in
flight.
Similar to turbine class aircraft, dual AHRS prevents any single
component failure that would force a pilot into hand flying at an
otherwise critical moment.
Unlike in the SR22, Cirrus will offer S-TEC autopilots in the
new SR20. New model SR20’s will be available in three
well-equipped package combinations: S, GS and GTS. The Cirrus
Perspective-equipped SR20 S model starts at $269,900.
Klapmeier also touched on the situation at Cirrus, given the
uncertain state of the GA industry due to the economic downturn.
As ANN reported last week, the company
recently scaled back production and implemented a shortened work
week... and, laid off approximately 105 workers, in addition to the
loss of 100 jobs in September.
"Cirrus enjoys very strong support from its private ownership
group, Arcapita," Klapmeier stated. "Both the very considerable
depth of Arcapita's asset base and the commitment of the Arcapita
team to Cirrus ensure that our fundamentals remain very
strong."
"We have made significant progress in recent months towards
achieving our desired operating structure," added Cirrus President
and Chief Operating Officer Brent Wouters. "Our next steps are to;
rationalize inventory levels, retool the production line for
greater product flexibility, and introduce new products/options and
features our aircraft to stimulate demand."
Wouters acknowledged that production rates will be reduced for a
period, but is confident "that all customer needs can be met."