Cirrus Aircraft unveils special mission platform

Duluth, Minnesota – Cirrus Aircraft has received FAA certification for Cirrus Perception, an adaptable special mission platform tailored specifically for the Cirrus SR22 and SR22T aircraft models. This new multi-mission, adaptive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft expands Cirrus Aircraft’s global portfolio by offering performance capabilities suitable for airborne traffic and law enforcement operations, aerial surveying, mapping and photography, search and rescue missions, disaster management and support, and border surveillance. The Minnesota State Patrol has purchased the first Perception aircraft and represents a significant launch customer for the new solution.

 

“Special Mission operators are constantly looking for ways to increase their capabilities while reducing operational costs,” said David Moser, vice president of Fleet and Special Mission Sales at Cirrus Aircraft. 

 

Cirrus Perception starts with the Cirrus SR22 and SR22T, equipped with the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite. Operators have the opportunity to tailor the aircraft to host an array of lightweight, compact sensor and user-station options including multi-spectral imaging systems with ultra-long-range and electro-optical infrared capabilities. The Cirrus Sensor Mounting System (SMS) can accommodate an array of third-party sensor models and is designed to be modular, removable, and reconfigurable. Cirrus has also partnered with expert third-party companies who will be able to deliver comprehensive equipment and payload integration services for Perception customers.

 

Missions that would have formerly needed large, multi-million dollar turbine aircraft or rotorcraft to carry heavier technology can now use compact, advanced, lightweight systems that Cirrus Perception supports. In addition to the special mission features, Perception-tailored aircraft come with the other benefits that come standard in the SR22 and SR22T airplanes, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite, 210+ knot cruise speeds, Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) capability, and useful load in excess of 1,300 lb. 

 

With recent FAA certification, the Perception is now available and will make its debut July 18-23, 2016 at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Expo in Savannah, Georgia.

 

All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales agents covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA).