Cirrus Updates Jet Progress
Cirrus Design has leased extra space in Duluth, Minn., to work on its jet prototype, CEO Alan Klapmeier said at Sun ‘n Fun on Tuesday. The jet now under construction will be used for aerodynamic flight testing, and Klapmeier says he hopes it will be very close to the final conforming prototype that can be used for certification. The engineers have done extensive computer design and testing, and wind tunnel tests will soon be underway at Langley, he said. Progress is also being made on the aircraft parachute system, he said. He wouldn’t estimate when first flight would take place, but said as soon as it flies, they will announce it. Klapmeier also said the company is making progress on its SRS, the light sport design it bought from FK GmbH. The airplane is being redesigned to take advantage of the U.S. light sport rules, he said. Gross weight will go up closer to the 1,320-pound limit. He added that the new SRS will have a glass panel, it will burn auto fuel, it will be quiet to help make it more neighbor-friendly for training, and it will be built in the United States. He hopes that the SRS will prove popular as a trainer to entice new pilots in the 18-to-25-year-old range.
Cirrus Design has leased extra space in Duluth, Minn., to work on its jet prototype, CEO Alan Klapmeier said at Sun 'n Fun on Tuesday. The jet now under construction will be used for aerodynamic flight testing, and Klapmeier says he hopes it will be very close to the final conforming prototype that can be used for certification. The engineers have done extensive computer design and testing, and wind tunnel tests will soon be underway at Langley, he said. Progress is also being made on the aircraft parachute system, he said. He wouldn't estimate when first flight would take place, but said as soon as it flies, they will announce it. Klapmeier also said the company is making progress on its SRS, the light sport design it bought from FK GmbH. The airplane is being redesigned to take advantage of the U.S. light sport rules, he said. Gross weight will go up closer to the 1,320-pound limit. He added that the new SRS will have a glass panel, it will burn auto fuel, it will be quiet to help make it more neighbor-friendly for training, and it will be built in the United States. He hopes that the SRS will prove popular as a trainer to entice new pilots in the 18-to-25-year-old range.
Cirrus also announced that it is launching a new combined private/instrument curriculum. The company encourages all owners to get instrument training so they will get the maximum utility from their aircraft, Dale Klapmeier said.
