Cirrus introduced its third-generation SR22 at a media conference at Sun 'n Fun on Tuesday. There are three of the new models on display at the company's sprawling booth at Lakeland Linder Airport, Fla. The new aircraft, under development for about a year, doesn't appear much different from earlier models, but CEO Alan Klapmeier told a news conference there are substantial changes under the two-tone paint that substantially boost the performance of the aircraft. Key to the refinements is a carbon fiber wing spar and other changes that shaved 50 lbs. off the weight of the aircraft. That allows a boost in fuel capacity to 92 gallons. The airplane also stands a little higher due to a landing gear realignment that moves the mains two feet closer together.
The G3 series comes in turbonormalized versions capable of cruise at FL250. One of the display aircraft made the trip from Minneapolis to Lakeland in five flying hours on Sunday, thanks to generous tailwinds created in the wake of the big storm that blew through the Southeast. At one point, with a slightly quartering tailwind of 102 knots (did we mention they were generous?), the aircraft hit 306 knots ground speed, which is believed to be a record for Cirrus.
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