Cirrus Vision Progresses to C-Zero, Production line coming After years of planning, designing, testing and flying, the Cirrus Vision SF50 personal jet is on course to begin production in 2015. With full program resource funding through certification now in the hands of the team, Cirrus is ramping up for the final push with recruitment, tooling and type certification. Since the inaugural first flight of V1, the Vision test plane, four years ago, the program’s development has reflected the twists and turns of the world economy. But now the resources needed have been approved and plans for the Vision C-Zero, the first conforming aircraft, are moving forward on a robust timeline: C-Zero Fuselage Tooling in place End of 2012 Structural Assemblies 2013 First Flight of C-Zero 2014 Cirrus is already moving through the checklist on its way to C-Zero. Recent technological accomplishments include: the selection of the experimental and production build sequence; prototyping and pressure testing of the door seal and latch mechanism; and the planning of scaled parachute testing for September, 2012. The next areas of concentration involve further design of assembly tooling for experimental fabrication and continued CAD modeling and drawing. The news was greeted with excitement at Cirrus Aircraft’s world headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota where the focus has been to fill the many open employment positions needed to complete the Vision team. Officials say they are currently at about 25 percent of the required workforce with two to three new employees starting each week. “It’s simply a tremendous milestone for Cirrus,” said Dale Klapmeier, CEO and Co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft. “We revolutionized general aviation with the introduction of the SR20 just over a decade ago. With more than 5,200 SR-series aircraft delivered to date, pilots, entrepreneurs, families and aviators of all kinds have embraced our dream. Today, that dream is renewed as we are on the cusp of an even bigger leap with the Cirrus Vision. Cirrus customers, employees and partners around the world are rightfully proud of this moment.” The Vision creates a new category in personal aviation – it is the first aircraft of its kind to fill the gap between high performance pistons and traditional turboprop twins and light business jets. The Vision will offer the same class-leading innovation, technology and style hallmarks that Cirrus is known for in its best-selling SR20, SR22 and SR22T family of single engine piston aircraft. Seating up to five adults and two children in an expansive cabin sets a new standard in luxury and flexibility for both pilots and passengers, the Vision is designed for performance, affordability and safety. With over 500 production positions reserved, the list price for a well-equipped Vision is $1.96 million effective July 1, 2012. For more information: Cirrus Aircraft 4515 Taylor Circle Duluth, MN 55811 http://cirrusaircraft.com ***
