CIRRUS DESIGN has flown the second prototype of its SR20 all-composite light aircraft. The company says that it remains on schedule for certification in early 1997.
The aircraft was flown by Cirrus' new test pilot, former Space Shuttle commander Bob Overmyer, from the company's headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota. "The aircraft handled so well that we decided to extend the first flight and initiate a full range of stall tests," says Overmyer.
The first prototype began the flight test programme in March, and has logged more than 260h, including a US tour in October.
The four-seat SR20 is powered by a 150kW (200hp) Teledyne Continental IO-360 engine, giving a 160kt (300km/h) cruise speed and 1,500km (800nm) range.
Source: Flight International
