Improving Upon A Great Airframe
On Tuesday, Cirrus announced the launch of the new SR22-G2. The
model designation itself connotes the second generation of the
relatively new SR22 airframe that is currently the best-selling
personal aviation aircraft model in the world. So, how did Cirrus
improve upon an already top-notch model? The SR22-G2 boasts a new
fuselage with numerous enhancements and interior appointments.
Here are some of the key features offered in the SR22-G2:
Product Enhancements
Secure Latch™ Doors - A distinct new
automotive-style door design allows the two oversized doors to be
closed with less effort. A single movement closes, latches
and secures the door in two locations. Opening the door is
ingeniously accomplished simply pressing a button. Even the baggage
door has been enhanced with Secure Latch.
New Interior - Inspired by the world's finest
automobiles, the SR22-G2 standard interior offers perforated
leather seats in contemporary colors with French stitching, and
leather wrapped side-yoke, throttle lever and grab handles.
Additionally use of a new composite material called Soft
Touch™ provides a luxurious tactile experience throughout
interior touch points.
6-Point Engine Mount - Originally offered on
the limited-build Centennial Edition, the 310-horsepower
Continental IO-550 (and optional Platinum IO-550 with custom
exhaust) is supported by six engine isolators compared to the
typical 4-point system on other aircraft. The new engine mount
improves cabin comfort and delivers the smoothest ride
possible.
Scimitar Select™ - Cirrus is the first
manufacturer to use this new Hartzell propeller design on a
production certified aircraft. The sword-shaped propeller blades
provide maximum performance and efficiency by exploiting the
specific performance characteristic of each section of the blended
airfoil - the result is a scimitar shape that slices the air. The
blade root is designed to provide maximum airflow into the
redesigned cowl inlets. The blended airfoil provides the most
efficient combination of take-off, climb and cruise
performance. The aerodynamically tailored sweep at the blade
tip is designed to reduce transonic drag and noise.
New Cowl - The SR22-G2 cowl has been
reengineered to provide improved airflow management and performance
by refining the shape and diminishing the size of the exhaust
contours. Additionally the oil access door has been
redesigned for a more streamlined look.
General Enhancements - The cumulative effect of
dozens of product refinements and manufacturing process
improvements created an entirely new fuselage for the SR22-G2. The
investment in precision tooling that helps reduce manufacturing
time ultimately improves the consistency of the high-quality
product. Design improvements and stricter tolerances for the
totally reengineered fuselage resulted in an overall empty weight
reduction - thereby increasing payload/useful load.
Serviceability Enhancements
New Two-Piece Lower Cowling - A redesigned
lower cowl simplifies removal and installation for servicing.
A new high-intensity headlight has also been reconfigured into the
lower cowl.
Enhanced Wing Spar Access - In an effort to
improve access to the hardware that connects wing spar to fuselage,
the lower wing fairing is now attached with fasteners rather than
bonding.
Convenient Tail Access - Already revered by
A&Ps for easy access to critical areas, the SR22-G2 now has an
access door on the right side of the empennage for greater access
and flexibility for future options.
Improved CAPS Access - Routine inspections of
the CAPS has also been improved for A&Ps as a result of the
total fuselage redesign.
"We're introducing the SR22-G2 today because we have the
technology, capability and desire to engineer improvements into our
product that make it a better value for the customer," stated Alan
Klapmeier, chief executive officer. "In fact, I think our launch
advertising sums up the SR22-G2 best - it really shouldn't take
fifty years for a product to evolve."