Aircraft Overview: Cirrus Vision Jet

 

The Vision Jet is a very-light-category business jet that is produced by Minnesota-based Cirrus Aircraft. Vision Jet is the commercial designation of the company’s SF50 type, a type that received FAA certification on Oct. 28, 2016, with the first delivery taking place on Dec. 20, 2016. Cirrus launched a second-generation version of the Vision Jet—marketed as the G2 Vision Jet—on Jan. 8, 2019, that improved the airframe’s avionics, cabin and performance. 

 

According to the FAA type certificate data sheet (TCDS) for the SF50, the airframe can accommodate a maximum of seven seats, with the standard cabin featuring “modular seating for five adults.” Those passengers are seated in a cabin that is promoted by the airframe manufacturer as being the largest in its class, and which has a height and width of 4.1 ft. and 5.1 ft., respectively.

 

The single required pilot operates the Vision Jet using avionics that are based on Garmin’s G3000 integrated flight deck—marketed as the Perspective Touch for the first-generation Vision Jet and the Perspective Touch+ for the G2 Vision Jet—and which includes a pair of 14-in. widescreen displays. On the G2 Vision Jet, those displays are supplemented by standard avionics hardware that includes dual air-data computers, attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS), pitot static and wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) GPS receivers, as well as a transponder that is of automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) Out capable.

"We feel confident in concluding that the G2’s stall characteristics and approach speeds are right down with the best of the single-engine turboprops. This aircraft very much is confidence inspiring for piston aircraft pilots upgrading to their first jet."

 

- BCA Senior Editor

 

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Mission and Performance

Operating limitations for the SF50 type include a maximum operating speed (VMO) and Mach number (MMO) of 250 kt. indicated airspeed (KIAS) and 0.53 Mach, respectively, while the maximum operating altitude is either 28,000 ft. and 31,000 ft. Cirrus promotes the Vision Jet as having a takeoff distance of 2,036 ft.—as well as a takeoff distance over a 50-ft. obstacle of 3,192 ft.—a landing groundroll of 1,628 ft. and a maximum cruise speed of 311-kt. true airspeed (KTAS). 

 
"The airplane is so much built for the single pilot. Everything on the flight deck is perfectly positioned. Nothing is out of reach. It’s as though it were built just for me."

 

- A well-known Red Bull Air Race pilot who also flies a Vision Jet for its owner.

On Air Charter Guide, June 2021, there is 16 Cirrus Vision Jet for charter including one 3-seater and two 4-seaters from PlaneMasters Ltd.

 

See the up-to-date list of aircraft and base locations on Air Charter Guide.

Variants

Powering the Vision Jet is a single Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan engine that has takeoff and maximum continuous thrust limits of 1,846 lb., and which is controlled by a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. Beyond being limited to a maximum takeoff gross weight of 6,000 lb., the SF50 has a basic empty weight of 3,550 lb. and a usable fuel capacity of 296 gal. The Vision Jet is also certified for flight into known icing conditions—with the leading edges of the both the V-tail and wings equipped with pneumatic boots—while another safety feature incorporated into the airframe is the standard Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). 

 

Operators also said the optional autothrottle, executive second-row seating with foldout worktables, plus center storage console, and rear passenger climate controls added safety, comfort and utility to current production models. Owners of second-gen models are especially appreciative of the increased altitude performance, 10% greater range and noticeably quieter cabin. “This is the aircraft they should have built at the start,” said one operator who had upgraded from an early model.

Take a look at the full AWIN Program Profile of the Cirrus Vision Jet.