The SF-50 Vision, personal single-jet developed by Cirrus Aircraft enters the final certification phase. The revolutionary design considered accumulates several years late, but it was the only so-called personal jets that survived the launch of enthusiasm.
The project involves one of the largest certification programs ever undertaken by the industry, with proven structural strength, durability, flight characteristics and performance.
One of the last steps taken by the Vision was measuring external noise, considered one of the most challenging for the team of Cirrus engineers. The process is different from the level measuring piston aircraft noise, which procedure is relatively simple. Because it is a jet aircraft, it was necessary to pass tests during takeoff, flyover, side passages and landing.
For this work the Cirrus hired Aviation Acoustics Inc, specialized company that carried out the verification tests. These were made obeying the FAA requirements, EASA and ANAC. During four days in the Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington state, the second prototype of the Vision, called "C2", made all flights necessary for the acceptance of regulatory agencies.
According to the tests, the Own Vision noise levels as expected by the authorities, being relatively smaller than the same size aircraft, since it has only one motor.
Currently the project is still awaiting the final results of various tests such as cyclic wing resistance. Conducted at the factory in Duluth, the process has over 6000 hours, with 6 mil further set up to rupture of the material, representing the wing cycle.
Recently the aircraft received FAA to Type Inspection Authorization, document formalizing the start of the evaluation in flight in design questions, seaworthiness, performance and driving properties. This authorization allows the Cirrus fly with a FAA pilot on board, one of the elements necessary for final certification of the aircraft.
It is expected that the Vision start to be delivered in mid-2016.
