New SR20s Will Ship In January
It's been a heckuva
decade for the Cirrus folks... as 2008 already marks the 10th
anniversary of the certification of the remarkable plane that
changed the general aviation industry. To celebrate the
historic SR20, the folks at Cirrus tell ANN they are ready to
unveil their 2008 SR20-Generation Three. Brand new from nose to
tail, the SR20 is available to order with deliveries to begin in
early January.
Cirrus Chairman and CEO Alan Klapmeier spoke out on the
significance of the latest milestone in the company's history.
"When the SR20 was certified in 1998, it literally shook up the
whole industry and put us on the map," he said. "Until then, we
were thought of as a kit manufacturer, but when the industry took
note of the SR20's incredible design as well as its many
innovations and safety features, they knew we were a force to be
reckoned with. Soon, other manufacturers started to copy us."
Klapmeier added, "With the 2008 SR20, we've designed a plane
that will satisfy most everyone - whether they're a beginning
student, an experienced pilot looking for personal transportation,
or a flight training center wanting to expand their operation. For
10 years, the SR20 has won a loyal following of satisfied pilots.
And now, this airplane will satisfy the needs of a whole new
generation of pilots."
Cirrus Interim Vice President of Sales, John Gauch said he's
especially proud of the SR20's reengineered wing, designed with a
new carbon-fiber spar that reduces the airplane's overall weight
and provides an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. He also noted
that many new features were added to the SR20 without adding any
weight.
"Due to the larger wing on the new SR20, we've been able to
increase the useful load, so pilots can take more with them
wherever they fly. We wanted the SR20 to be versatile, rugged, and
technologically advanced, yet simple to fly and affordable to
maintain. Our 2008 SR20 offers customers exceptional value,
extraordinary safety features, and exquisite craftsmanship."
The SR20's uses a Continental to produce 200-hp while a
redesigned (and longer) wing gives pilots greater climb performance
than ever before. Cirrus notes that, "The plane boasts a spacious
49-inch-wide cabin that will keep all occupants relaxed in an
atmosphere of lavish ergonomic seating and a superior
climate-controlled environment. Oversized doors allow for easy
entry and exit, while the unique rear window brings in additional
light to create a brighter, more comfortable ambient environment.
Luxurious leather seats surround pilot and passengers, making even
longer flights a relaxing experience."