SF50

SF50, marketed as the Vision Jet, is Cirrus Aircraft's single‑engine, very light jet designed for owner‑pilots and small fleets. It is a low‑wing, pressurized aircraft with seating for up to six occupants (one pilot and up to five passengers) and Cirrus’ characteristic emphasis on safety features.

Development and certification: Cirrus announced the project in the mid-2000s. The aircraft first flew in 2008, and after years of testing, it received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2016 (with EASA certification following in 2017). Production and deliveries began thereafter, and the Vision Jet remained Cirrus’s entry into jet aviation.

Design and features: The SF50 is powered by a single Williams International FJ33 turbofan. It features a side‑stick controller and a glass cockpit built around Cirrus Perspective avionics suite (developed with Garmin) and a simplified, single‑pilot interface. The cabin is designed for comfort and accessibility, with large windows and streamlined crew ergonomics. Cirrus also integrated its Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) as a safety feature for emergency recovery.

Performance: In typical configurations, the Vision Jet cruises at roughly Mach 0.74, with a range around 1,200 to 1,300 nautical miles and a service ceiling near 31,000 feet. It is marketed as offering jet performance with the lower operating costs and simplicity expected of Cirrus aircraft.

Production and influence: Produced at Cirrus Aircraft’s Duluth, Minnesota facility, the SF50 represents Cirrus’s first solo jet program. It positioned Cirrus in the very light jet market alongside competitors such as the HondaJet, emphasizing safety, ease of use for owner‑pilots, and the brand's broader emphasis on occupant safety.