Reviewing the Cirrus SR20
Cirrus | October 27, 2010The SR20 is a four seater monoplane designed by Cirrus. Operating on a piston-engine, the Cirrus SR20 is a unique model of the Cirrus line-up. Among many first’s this brand is especially marked for featuring - a first time in a commercial aviation vehicle - a safety parachute that makes allowances for recovery in case of unstable spins.
Certification being completed by F.A.A in October 3rd of 1998, the SR20 has also created history by being a best-seller. Apparently, according to statistical reports, the sale figure has tipped a few hundreds and till 2006 the SR20 sold about 2000 monoplanes. It is an exceptionally successful achievement, remembering that the first SR20 was delivered, a little over a decade ago in 1999. On 1st June, 2004 the SR20 was awarded the EASA certification.
Of course, this commercially viable aircraft also have a few major pluses. An important advantage of this model over its competitors is its technical standard: the flight suite is completely digitalized, and features a multifunction display of ten inch. Two GNS430s from Garmin also provide the Global Positioning System and the high-end radio-navigation. There is also an adapted radio communications system embedded in it. Both SR22 (a faster Cirrus model) and SR20 are equipped with the BRS CAPS.
Like all other vehicles, it also had to face criticisms. There has been some controversy lately because of a number of co-incidental accidents in 2006, which occurred because the chute failed to open at the right time. Some major changes have been added to the system because of this.
The SR20 G2
With a height of 2.59 meter and length of 26 feet, the SR20 G2 has a wing area of about 9.5 square meters. Its landing weight is estimated to be 2900 pounds.
The SR20 G3
Combining the winning design of the previous SR20 models the SR 20 G3 model was launched in 2007. A lighter wing was incorporated. This, being borrowed from the SR 22 model succeeded in increasing the wing area. The design of the SR22 G3 air frame was also installed. The new addition, together with the greater wing-width, increased the speed by eleven to thirteen kilometers per hour. The better model was christened SR20 G3. With a takeoff weight of 1380 kilograms, and an added fuel capability of 212 liters, it aptly characterized the third generation of SRs. Some of the other features included in these Cirrus aircrafts include: the LED aircraft lights, enhanced dihedral (which improved the handling of the flight), sleeker aerodynamics and renovated ventilation. They also feature Garmin navigators in combination with a high frequency radio.
Cirrus SRV
SR 20 introduced its individual ownership, the VFR version. This model was launched with the aim of winning over the avionics training industry. There are certain omissions in this model; this involves features that are fairly typical in marketed SR20s.The absence of the wheel-fairings is one such omission.
In 2008, the SRV was also upgraded into the G3 series, again using the enhanced, improved wing-breadth. For 2010 SRV has been discontinued by Cirrus. Now, the company has stopped providing aircrafts without digitalized equipments.
Save to delicious
Stumble it