Some Intriguing Details Prove That CD's LSA Is More Than A "SkyCatcher-Catcher" (Part 3 of 3)
With all the attention (good and bad) being paid to the aggressive position taken by Cessna in bringing an LSA to market, it seemed that it was time to catch up with Cirrus Design's LSA program... starting with an overview of the original announcement at Oshkosh 2007 and updated (previously, in Part Two, and now in Part Three) with the latest info as of the 2008 Sebring Sport Aviation Expo, recently concluded in central Florida.
The Cirrus Design SRS is based on the European Fk Polaris, which was lighter, faster, and not in alignment with the FAA's LSA specs - prior to its "Cirrus-ization." Once that process is complete, it will max out the LSA standards -- which will give the CD engineering team the unusual task of slowing down the lightning quick European version.
Manufacturer Fk Lightplanes has a 17-year history in light plane manufacturing. With operations in Poland, the Klapmeiers foresee the manufacture of their plane remaining in Poland, with assembly in the US -- a model followed by other vendors of foreign-sourced planes.
For the past four years, Cirrus evaluated two-seat planes from European manufacturers -- the center of development for this type of aircraft.
"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," said Klapmeier. "And our worldwide service and support infrastructure will make the SRS even more appealing."
Cirrus has more than 170 Cirrus Authorized Service Centers worldwide; 142 domestic and 31 in 14 international countries.
The goal is to have the first planes off the production line in the next year. A composite construction low wing craft, the plane will include a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System sourced from BRS (the Fk14 already has this feature as standard) and will use a Rotax 912 engine -- allowing Cirrus to continue offering ...
