Cirrus has been a game-changer in the personal aviation space and is best known for its SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet. The Vision Jet has altered the private jet space by being more accessible and practical. The new generation Vision Jet ‘G2’ series builds on the strengths of its predecessor and adds a considerable increase in cruise altitude, speed, and range.
It is the world’s first single-engine personal jet and also boasts of new technology like Autothrottle, Flight Stream connectivity, and more. It is a smaller, lighter, and more economical run thus it also expands the private aviation category by being more accessible. It is perhaps the perfect private jet for first-time buyers.
In its second generation, the G2 Vision Jet goes higher, faster, and farther. An expanded flight envelope to Flight Level 310 (31,000 ft) increases its appeal further. The Vision Jet’s range is now over 1,200nm. Thus on a typical flight, the G2 can carry an additional 150 lb on an 800 NM mission and pushes top cruise speed even further above 300kts.
There is also an advanced flight deck with technology like the ‘Perspective Touch+’, which brings faster processing speeds and greater screen resolution. There is also ‘auto throttle’ which is a staple of more high-end business jets and reduces pilot work plus allows the pilot to focus on other tasks. Other features include a 3D Synthetic Vision, SurfaceWatch, integrated crew alerting, datalink weather, active weather radar, ADS-B, satellite communications, system Synoptics, and more. Last but certainly not the least is the introduction of the ‘Safe Return’ feature–an emergency auto-landing system that enables passengers to land the Vision jet with just the touch of a single button.
The Safe Return activation button is purposefully located on the ceiling in the Vision Jet’s cabin for easy access by passengers and can even be activated within minutes of the aircraft’s take-off if needed so. Once activated by the touch of a button, Safe Return gains control of the aircraft and turns the Vision Jet into an autonomous vehicle that navigates to the nearest suitable airport for landing plus communicates with air traffic control. It then lands and brings the aircraft safely to a complete stop, allowing passengers to exit the aircraft. For this feature, the system uses all available aircraft data to calculate a flight plan, avoid terrain and weather, initiate an approach, and complete a fully autonomous landing without pilot or passenger intervention.
However, in the private aviation space, luxury cannot be overlooked and here the second generation model makes a bigger leap in terms of space and comfort. There is a new executive-style seating position with two second-row seats and a new center console. There are also stow-away tables while noise reduction has been increased. Passengers also get amenities like USB and 110V power outlets plus a video monitor.
The Vision Jet received FAA certification in 2016 and has had over 100 deliveries all over the world, thus being the private jet of choice in this post-pandemic era. With prices hovering at the $ 2 million-plus mark, the G2 Vision Jet carries on the popularity of this series.
