Cirrus Aircraft to introduce special mission platform

Duluth, Minnesota – Cirrus Aircraft has introduced a sensor-capable special mission aircraft based on its Generation 5 SR22/SR22T aircraft. Cirrus’ special mission platform Cirrus Perception will be available in mid-2015.

 

With Cirrus Perception, Cirrus will create a new class of prospective owners and operators for SR22/SR22T aircraft. Cirrus Perception also introduces a new style of reconfigurable special mission aircraft, easily and quickly converting from standard aircraft to an advanced observation platform.

 

Aerial sensor and observation systems are quickly becoming more advanced; and also lighter, more compact, and affordable. Special mission operators no longer need a large turbine aircraft or rotorcraft carrying heavy, antiquated technology. The Cirrus SR22/SR22T platform offers lower cost, systems integration, mission adaptability, and flexibility.  

 

Cirrus Perception also offers the capability and safety benefits that are available in all SR22/SR22T aircraft: Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), Cirrus Perspective by Garmin cockpit, air conditioning, 215+ knot cruise speeds, flight into known icing (FIKI), useful load over 1,300 lb and a wide cabin.

 

Cirrus Perception special mission platform features:

 

• The Sensor Mounting System (SMS) is designed to be removed and reconfigured in minutes.

• Cirrus Perception will be certified under the Cirrus SR22/SR22T type certificate to carry a variety of different sensor types.

• Customers can remove sensors, reconfigure with different sensors, or fly the airplane in a “clean” configuration with minimal regulatory requirements.

• One airplane can fulfill multiple missions.   

• Customers can often attach a new type of sensor to their Cirrus Perception and start using it with minimal regulatory or integration hurdles to overcome.

 

Applications:

 

• Command, control, and communications

• Law enforcement mission sets 

• Hydrocarbon leak detection 

• Search and Rescue (SAR) 

• Aerial mapping and surveys 

• Disaster management 

• Real estate surveys 

• Broadcast television 

• Drug interdiction 

• Border security 

• Pipeline patrol 

• DOT transport 

• Wildlife patrol 

• Fire fighting

 

“Cirrus’ entry into the special missions segment continues our growth plans into new and broader markets,” says Todd Simmons, Cirrus executive vice president of sales, marketing and support. “When we see growth opportunities, we listen to new customers and respond with the same innovative and creative thinking inherent in all our products.”  

 

Cirrus Aircraft’s all-composite line of personal aircraft is comprised of the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T. To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 95 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 personal jet now has more than 550 production positions reserved. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd. (CAIGA).