Cirrus first began development of the Vision Jet in the early 2000s. The Cirrus founders, the Klapmeier brothers, started the program in their offsite Duluth, Minnesota, facility. It was officially revealed to the public in June 2006 at the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association meeting.
The first prototype of the Cirrus Vision Jet conducted its maiden flight in July 2008. However, Cirrus ran into difficulties financing the continued testing and development program of the light business jet, especially in 2009 during the height of the Great Recession.
However, after the slow development process in the early 2010s, a new Cirrus investor provided enough financing to complete the development of the aircraft. It was officially certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 2016. Deliveries of the aircraft began later that same year.
The Vision Jet is a low-wing-configured aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft’s airframe is also made entirely out of composite materials. It utilizes a single turbofan engine that rests on the top of the fuselage near the rear of the aircraft. Because of the unique engine configuration, the aircraft utilizes a V-tail.
The small cabin can fit up to seven total occupants in three rows. However, the third row is small and typically can only accommodate two adults or three children. Passengers enter the cabin through a clamshell door on the left-hand side of the fuselage.
Additionally, the Vision Jet is powered by the Garmin G3000 avionics suite, including the Garmin Emergency Autoland System. The Vision Jet also features the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).
Vision Jet
Engine: 1 x Williams FJ33 turbofan, 1,850 lb thrust
Wingspan: 38 feet 9 inches
Length: 30 feet 11 inches
Height: 10 feet 11 inches
Gross weight: 6,000 lb
Maximum speed: 311 knots (358 mph)
Range: 600 nm (690 miles)
Service ceiling: 31,000 feet
All Aero 