- Cirrus hopes to have its Vision Jet on the market by the end of 2015.
Cirrus Aircraft flew the first certification test article of its Vision SF50 personal jet on March 24 and said it went smoothly.
The company has been flying a prototype version of the aircraft since 2008 but the new aircraft incorporates the lessons learned in the past five years. It’s one of three certification test aircraft that will be built from the same drawings and using the same tools and processes that will be used in the manufacture of the jet.
The aircraft flew as expected on its one-hour hop according to Cirrus test pilot Mike Stevens. “The Vision Jet handled and performed very well and all systems functioned properly, just what you want in a first flight,” he said.
The aircraft is designed to be a step up for Cirrus SR22 owners looking for more speed and longer range. It will also be the first certified jet with an onboard parachute for emergency use. It seats five adults and two kids.
The plane will sell for about $2 million and there are 550 firm orders. First deliveries are expected by the end of 2015.