General Aviation

Cirrus Sf50

Manufacturer: Cirrus

The Cirrus Vision SF50, also called the Vision Jet, is a single‑engine very‑light jet from Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, Minnesota. It seats up to seven, is pressurised, cruises at 300 knots (560 km/h), and flies over 1,200 nautical miles. Powered by a Williams FJ33 turbofan, it features a V‑tail, all‑composite construction, a ballistic parachute and an optional autoland system.

Aircraft Facts

Type Key
cirrus-sf50
Class
General Aviation
Registry Count
729
Example Registration
N100TL

Specifications

Wingspan
11.8 m / 38 ft
Length
9.42 m / 30 ft
Height
1.24 m / 4.1 ft
Max Speed
576 km/h / 358 mph
Cruise Speed
560 km/h / 350 mph
Range
930 km / 500 nmi
Ceiling
9400 m / 31000 ft
First Flight
2008-07-03
Production Start
2016
Total Built
721

Aircraft Overview

History

Deposits began in 2006, a mock‑up was unveiled in June 2007 and a prototype flew in July 2008. The first flight was on 3 July 2008, but progress slowed in 2009. After CAIGA invested in 2011, a conforming prototype flew in March 2014. The FAA issued a type certificate in October 2016, and deliveries started in December 2016. By July 2020, 200 jets had been delivered, and it has been the world’s best‑selling business jet since 2018.

Design

The Vision SF50 is a low‑wing cantilever monoplane powered by a single Williams FJ33‑4A‑19 turbofan producing 1,900 lbf. It has a V‑tail, retractable tricycle gear, and is built entirely of composite material. The cabin is 5.1 ft wide by 4.1 ft high, seats up to seven, and is pressurised. It features a whole‑airframe ballistic parachute and, in later models, an autoland system.

Variants

The G2 Vision Jet was announced in 2019, adding RVSM, a higher ceiling of 31,000 ft, increased range to over 1,200 nm, and a cruise speed of 311 kn. The G2+ (2021) added 20 % take‑off performance, Wi‑Fi, and a higher price. The upcoming G3 (2026) will have a redesigned cabin, new wingtips, and advanced avionics.

Operations

The Vision SF50 was intended as a personal jet for pilots moving from high‑performance piston aircraft. It is FAR Part 135‑approved for air‑taxi use and has been delivered mainly to the U.S. market (≈85 %) with the rest for Europe. Operators have included SATSair and Verijet, and the jet is used for short‑range business travel, pilot training, and occasional air‑taxi services.

Notable Facts

  • First civilian single‑engine jet to receive type certification.
  • First jet equipped with a whole‑airframe ballistic parachute (CAPS).
  • Received the Collier Trophy in 2018.
  • Features a V‑tail and all‑composite construction.
  • Powered by a Williams FJ33 turbofan producing 1,900 lbf.
  • Seats up to seven occupants and cruises at 300 knots.
  • Has a 14.7:1 glide ratio, allowing 75 nm glide from FL310.
  • Optional Garmin Safe Return autoland system, first jet to have it.

Variants

  • SF50- 729 registrations - Example N100TL

Machine-Readable Resources

Sources