Expands the Company’s Fun Factor

Duluth, Minn. 7/23/2007 - On the heels of its successful unveiling of "the-jet" and the launch of its SR22-G3, Cirrus Design Corporation, Duluth, MN, in cooperation with Fk Lightplanes of Speyer, Germany, announced at EAA  AirVenture, the CIRRUS SRS (or SR Sport)– an expected addition to CIRRUS' already popular line of personal transportation aircraft.  The SRS will take advantage of the new Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations.

According to CIRRUS, the SRS will be an extension of the company's current product line for people who would like a CIRRUS but are specifically interested in sporty, recreational, or entry level missions. With the addition of "the-jet" and the SRS, CIRRUS now offers additional aircraft, with equally competitive price points, as their current line.  The new aircraft allows for easier entry into the personal aviation market.

CIRRUS said the SRS will be a lightweight aircraft with a moderate cruise speed of about 120 kts. – the maximum limit for LSAs.  Ergonomics, along with modern avionics, single-power lever and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™) align with the CIRRUS philosophy of comfort, safety and, in this case, lively performance.

"For years we have talked about how we, as an industry, needed to introduce more people to flying," said CIRRUS Chairman and CEO Alan Klapmeier. "We believe CIRRUS has been quite successful at opening the doors of aviation through our current SR product line. The SRS is yet another example of how seriously we take this responsibility, providing a high customer value product that is easier to fly, more comfortable, loaded with safety features – all at an extremely affordable cost.”  Klapmeier added, “My first flight in this aircraft was so much fun I didn’t want to land.”

For the last four years, CIRRUS has been evaluating two-seat planes from European manufacturers – the hotbed of development for this type of aircraft.  The SRS will be based on the Fk14 Polaris–one of many fine European aircraft that have been cultivated in an intensely competitive environment. The Fk14 Polaris was not developed in a vacuum but has emerged as the best in its class.

Klapmeier added, "The relationship we have developed with Fk Lightplanes allows us to rapidly offer cost efficient, sporty, entry-level aircraft for sport and recreation enthusiasts and basic training. And our worldwide service and support infrastructure will make the SRS even more appealing."

President of Fk Lightplanes Peter Funk stated, “We are excited to be working with Cirrus on this project.  CIRRUS has emerged as a leader in aviation, and we are proud to be associated with the company.”

Preliminary Specifications and Description

Design

    Composite Construction
    Electric flaps
    Low wing for better visibility
    Large one-part cabin
    Large baggage compartment
    Removable wings
    Trailer able

Safety

    Cirrus Airframe Parachute System
    4-point safety harness
    Fuel tank system outside of crumple zone
    Low stall speed

Dimensions

    Height- 6.9 ft.
    Length-18.7 ft.
    Wingspan- 29.8 ft
    Interior width- 45 in.

Performance

    ROTAX  912S (100 bhp)
    Fuel capacity- 18.6 US Gal.
    Fuel Burn- 3.8 GPH
    Cruise- 120 KCAS (LSA max limit)
    Useful load- 400 LB. (min)