Summary
- The Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet is popular due to its cost efficiency compared to others in its category.
- It was the first civilian single-engine jet to be type-certified by both FAA and EASA.
- Vision Jet upgrades include an increased takeoff performance and in-flight WiFi for G2+.
The Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet is a v-tailed, single-engine, very lightweight jet (VLJ) aircraft and one of the more unique aircraft in the category. When it first appeared, the Vision Jet broke many norms and has become one of the world’s fastest-selling aircraft in its class.
The type is powered by a single Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, which allows it to operate at a lower cost than its competitors, which is one of the main reasons it’s so popular. As of December 2023, Cirrus has sold more than 514 units, making it one of the fastest-selling aircraft in its category.
Photo: Cirrus Aircraft
It was also the first civilian single-engine jet aircraft to be type-certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Since its introduction in 2016, the SF50 has remained the only civilian single-engine VLJ in operation.
Since its release, the Vision Jet has gone from strength to strength. The manufacturer has released two additional variants, the G2 in 2019 and the G2+ in 2021. But what does the new variant have that the older ones don’t? Let’s look into it.
The first upgrade
The first and most significant upgrade to the Vision Jet platform was the G2 upgrade. Cirrus managed to improve the service ceiling by 3,000 ft (914 m) from 28,000 ft (8,534 m) to 31,000 ft (9,400 m).
The maximum range was also increased by 100 NM (185 km) from 1,100 NM (2,037 km) to 1,200 NM (2,222 km). The ability to carry more payload over 800 NM (1,481 km) was also increased, with the G2 able to haul 150 lbs (68 kg) more.
The cabin pressurization system and sound deadening were also upgraded, lowering the effective cabin altitude and making the cabin more comfortable.
Photo: Cirrus
The most significant change was the introduction of Garmin’s autothrottle system, which enabled the use of Garmin’s autoland system. The Vision Jet was the first jet aircraft to get certified for the technology by the FAA. Cirrus markets the technology as “Safe Return.”
When activated, the Cirrus Perspective Touch+ avionics suite (based on a Garmin G3000 suite) will pick the closest appropriate airport, configure, fly, and safely land the aircraft without any input from the pilot. The technology is considered to be a breakthrough in general aviation.
What does the plus mean?
The latest aircraft iteration is the G2+. Since there were fewer changes this time, the company chose to call the model a plus.
Firstly, the aircraft receives a 20% increase in takeoff performance. It results from what Cirrus calls a “newly optimized thrust profile.” This is achieved by a software change to the aircraft’s Full-Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which increases the engine’s maximum thrust for up to five minutes during takeoff and climb.
Photo: Cirrus
According to AOPA, the system’s operation does not change. The pilot advances the thrust levers to the takeoff position, and the FADEC takes over. Alerts are built in at two and five minutes to remind the pilot to switch to the climb thrust setting.
The performance upgrade is standard. However, the G2+’s second, and arguably more important, upgrade is optional. The enhanced Vision Jet can now be equipped with in-flight WiFi courtesy of Gogo’s airborne cellular service. The system can be retrofitted to older G2 models as well.
Speaking about the new G2+, Cirrus Aircraft CEO Zean Nielsen said:
“The enhancements to both the takeoff performance capabilities in hot and high conditions and the InFlight WiFi-connected passenger experience ensure that the Vision Jet continues to exceed the evolving needs of our owners, both present and future. This aircraft is one more revolutionary advance in personal aviation, made possible by the world-class team at Cirrus Aircraft.”
Cirrus’ Vision Jet G2+ remains at the forefront of the best private aviation jets can offer their owners, and the aviation community is more than excited for the next generation Vision Jet.
Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet G2+ Specifications
| Exterior Dimensions | |
| Length | 30 ft 11 in (9.42 m) |
| Height | 10 ft 11 in (3.33 m) |
| Wing Span | 38 ft 8 in (11.76 m) |
| Interior Dimensions | |
| Cabin Width (Max) | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Cabin Floor Width | 3 ft 1 in (0.94 m) |
| Cabin Height | 4 ft 1 in (1.25 m) |
| Baggage Dimensions | |
| Internal Baggage Volume | 24 ft³ (0.68 m³) |
| External Baggage Volume | 30 ft³ (0.85 m³) |
| Weights | |
| Maximum Ramp Weight | 6,040 lbs (2,740 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) |
| Maximum landing Weight | 5,550 lbs (2,517 kg) |
| Zero Fuel Weight | 4,900 lbs (2,222 kg) |
| Basic Empty Weight | 3,860 lbs (1,751 kg) |
| Maximum Payload | 1,040 lbs (472 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,180 lbs (989 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Available Payload with Maxl Fuel | 180 lbs (81.6 kg) |
| Available Fuel with Max Payload | 1,140 lbs (517 kg) |
| Performance Specifications | |
| Maximum Thrust | 1,846 lbf (8.21 kN) |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Transition Altitude | 18,300 ft (5,577 m) |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,920 ft (585 m) |
| Takeoff Distance @ 5,000 ft & 25C | 3,045 ft (928 m) |
| Landing Distance | 1,628 ft (496 m) |
| Lateral Noise Level | 79.6 dB |
| Flyover Noise Level | 70.9 dB |
| Approach Noise Level | 80.3 dB |
| Approach Category | C |
| Wake Turbulence Category | L |
| Range | |
| Maximum Payload Range | 461 NM |
| Maximum Fuel Range | 1,171 NM |
| Four Passenger Range | 622 NM |
| Ferry Range | 1,220 NM |
| Speeds | |
| Reference Speed (VREF) | 87 kts (150 kmph) |
| Takeoff Speed (V2) | 91 kts (168 kmph) |
| Maximum Operating Mach | Mach 0.530 |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 311 kts (575 kmph) |
| High-Speed Cruise | 305 kts (564 kmph) |
| Long Range Cruise | 259 kts (479 kmph) |
| Stall Speed Full Flaps | 67 kts (124 kmph) |
| Occupancy | |
| Crew | 1 |
| Passengers | 6 |
| Systems | |
| Engine | Williams FJ33-5A Turbofan |
| Engine Inspection Interval | 4000 hours |
| Avionics | Cirrus Perspective Touch+ (Garmin G3000) |
Single Engine Jet: A Cirrus Vision Jet Price Guide
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