Cirrus Aircraft has secured US certification for the second-generation version of its Vision Jet and is poised to deliver the first example of the single-engined personal aircraft in mid-January.
The Vision Jet G2 features a Garmin 3000-based Perspective Touch+ avionics suite, which incorporates a faster computer and brighter screens. The cockpit also gains an autothrottle and increased connectivity with Flight Stream 510 compatibility.
The cabin has a new modular four-seat executive layout and increased sound proofing “for added comfort”.
Two True Blue TB17 lithium-ion batteries replace the original lead-acid batteries, increasing the weight savings and providing a faster, cooler engine start, especially in cold weather, Cirrus says.
Cirrus Aircraft
The Williams International FJ33-5A-powered G2 also boasts a maximum operating altitude of 31,000ft – 3,000ft more than its predecessor – giving it access to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace. “Operating at this altitude will give G2 operators a range of up to 1,275nm [2,360km],” says Matt Bergwall, director of the Vision Jet product line. At 28,000ft, the Vision Jet’s range is 1,150nm. “We expect this to be a popular feature, and have launched a training programme to help buyers meet RVSM requirements,” he adds.
The G2 is priced at $2.75 million – around $250,000 more than the original version, which entered service in December 2016.
The Vision Jet is the only Part 23-certificated single-engined business jet on the market.
Bergwall says serial number 94 is the first G2 model, and the aircraft will be handed over to its owner “in the next few days”.
Cirrus has delivered 88 Vision Jets to date, including 63 examples in 2018. Order backlog totals 540 aircraft, Bergwall says, and the airframer plans to increase production in 2019 to 80 units and around 100 in 2020.
Source: Flight International
