LOOP News

13 JUL 07: CIRRUS JET UNVEILED

BLOWN AWAY!
Cirrus unveils radical V-tailed personal jet and stuns the world

INCREDIBLE! That's what everyone was saying after Cirrus Design unveiled a mockup of its proposed single-engine jet at a special reception on 28 June.

The V-tail, the seating for up to seven people, the carefully sculpted and highly aerodynamic fuselage, upturned winglets... the whole package is designed for maximum impact on the apron.

There are sound reasons behind every aspect of the design, said Cirrus boss Alan Klapmeier. "We didn't just do it to make it look cool," he reportedly told industry website Avweb. "We wanted people to know that there are sound reasons behind the design."

Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Cirrus, Dale Klapmeier said, "We are still in the early design and development phase and didn't want to limit ourselves in any way. It is also important that any data we released was absolutely accurate.

"So far, we can confirm that 'the-jet' will be powered by a quiet, efficient and lightweight William's jet engine that will give the aircraft great utility, economy and simplicity never before seen in this market."
Known as 'the-jet', Cirrus admits it's the most anticipated aircraft in the company's history. Each guest other than invited media at the reception, held at the Duluth, Minnesota factory, had placed a $100,000 deposit for their first 'personal' jet.

The company's tight control of the project was evidenced even further by the fact that its own employees who were not directly working on the project were not able to see 'the-jet' until hours before the showing.
"We're calling it a 'personal jet', not because of its size but because it's a natural extension of our SR22 line," said Alan Klapmeier.

"Like the SR22, 'the-jet' is designed to be owner flown and it will be loaded with innovative features, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System.
"While it's technologically advanced, it's designed to be exceptionally easy to fly."

Vice President of Advanced Development Mike Van Staagen added, "The information we were trying to protect during the past year of product development was the unusual amount of versatility and flexibility that has been incorporated into an airplane of this size.

"This flexibility is even more surprising given this airplane is designed specifically for a single owner/operator.

"The design is precisely configured to maximize flexibility for the owner. Mountain bikes, camping equipment, golf clubs, skis, bigger families, antique spinning wheel? No problem! 'the-jet' will deliver more value because its cavernous interior accommodates very diverse usage."

FAST FACTS
Cirrus 'the-jet'

Cruise speed 300kt
Ceiling 25,000ft
Range about 1000nm
Seats 5 normal, up to 7
Engine Williams FJ-33 Turbofan
Price $1 million

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13 JUL 07: CIRRUS JET UNVEILED