CIRRUS DESIGN has announced definitive performance figures for the SR20 light aircraft and begun converting delivery-position options into firm orders. US Part 23 certification has been scheduled for the third quarter of 1997, with customer deliveries to begin later that year.
Cirrus is offering the SR20 to current position holders for $141,500, but new orders will cost $144,500. The Duluth, Minnesota-based company holds more than 100 position options. Conversion to a firm order requires a non-refundable deposit.
More than 500h of flight-testing, with two prototypes has confirmed early performance predictions, says Cirrus. Powered by a 150kW (200hp) Teledyne Continental IO-360, the four-seat aircraft has a cruise speed of 160kt (300km/h) at 75% power. Range is 1,500km (800nm), with a 45min reserve.
The all-composite SR20 has a maximum take-off weight of 1,320kg, with a useful load of 500kg. Take-off distance to 50ft (15m) is 430m and sea-level climb rate is 1,000ft/min (5.1m/s). Landing distance from 50ft is 460m and the fixed-gear SR20 will stall at 54kt with flaps extended.
Standard features of the SR20 include dual single-handed side control-yokes, single-lever power control, ballistic-parachute aircraft-recovery system and instrument-flight-rules avionics using the global-positioning system for primary navigation and including a moving-map display.
Source: Flight International
