Perspective Suite Selected For Upcoming Jet

Cirrus Aircraft has just announced the selection of Garmin as its avionics provider for production models of the Vision SF50 personal jet, which is now in flight test.

Within the next few weeks, the current Vision flying prototype will have the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics system installed, the same as what is now available on the SR-series of piston aircraft (shown below.)

"Avionics are the key component of the pilot-aircraft interface. Cirrus and Garmin are both recognized as leaders in their respective fields and share a common vision to bring innovative technologies and continuous product improvement into the GA cockpit," said Cirrus Aircraft President and CEO Brent Wouters. "Today we have taken another significant step forward in both our partnership with each other and with Vision customers by bringing avionics continuity and consistency to Vision and the entire Cirrus Aircraft lineup."

"Garmin's avionics are designed to simplify flying and exceed pilots' expectations for ease of use and reliability," added Gary Kelley, Garmin's Vice President. "From the industry's most powerful autopilot that optimizes performance over the entire airspeed envelope to Garmin's synthetic vision technology (SVT) that has dramatically improved safety of flight by replicating what pilots would see outside the cockpit, the Cirrus Vision avionics suite will feature the leading edge technology customers expect from Garmin."

Previously, V1 has flown with L-3's SmartDeck glass panel.

In related news, Cirrus says the Vision development program continues to make "measured" progress in several areas as well. V1 is averaging five flight tests per week through the winter in Duluth, and now has completed more than 200 engine run hours and nearly 140 actual flight test hours. Significant flight test milestones near the end of the first quarter include finalizing power on and power off stall tests; establishing the full CG range; assessing anti-ice system characteristics; further refining aircraft stability and control for V1;  and evaluating wing root vortex generators.

Short-term design evaluation items include wing tip and flap optimization, additional structural materials selection and part trial testing.

With the Vision personal jet program now progressing from its R&D phase toward mainstream Cirrus operations, the Vision engineering and flight test team is also transitioning into a corporately integrated development and certification program in Cirrus' main production facilities on the south side of Duluth International Airport.

FMI: www.cirrusaircraft.com