Cirrus Aircraft has begun deliveries of its sixth-generation SR piston-single family, which it describes as the “smartest, safest, most advanced models ever”.
Launched in January, the G6 version of the high-performance SR20, SR22 and SR22T features the new Perspective+ flightdeck, based on Garmin’s just-launched G1000 NXi platform.
The new suite offers 10 times faster processing speed than the earlier Perspective system, says Cirrus, along with animated datalink weather, SurfaceWatch safety protection, payload management, visual approach capabilities and wireless database uploads. Other features of the G6 include new Spectra LED wingtip lights, and “courtesy lights” installed underneath each wingtip, on each step, and in the baggage compartment.
The G6 SR20 also features Lycoming’s 250hp (186kW) IO-390 C3-B6 piston engine, which replaces the earlier models’ 200hp IO-360 powerplant.
Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus president for customer experience Todd Simmons says the G6 is “the result of the most innovative, capable and feature-rich set of upgrades we have ever applied to the entire SR product line”.
Cirrus launched the five-seat piston-single family in 1999 with the SR20. The all-composite type was the first certificated general aviation aircraft to be equipped with an emergency parachute – the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) – as standard. This feature is designed to lower the aircraft safely to the ground after a loss of control, structural failure or mid-air collision. Cirrus says CAPS has helped save the lives of nearly 150 people since its introduction.
The SR20 was joined in 2001 by its upgraded and more powerful stablemate, the SR22. The turbocharged SR22T completed the line-up nine years later. About 6,500 units have been delivered worldwide so far, with the SR22 accounting for the bulk of demand.
Source: Flight International
