Cirrus SR20
Cirrus Design · United States · first flew 1995 · light aircraft
The Cirrus SR20 is a four-seat composite light aircraft, notable as the first certified production aircraft with a standard whole-airframe parachute system.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Composite airframe with fixed tricycle gear
- Whole-aircraft ballistic recovery parachute (CAPS)
- Side-yoke controls and one-piece windshield
Look for the sleek composite fuselage, fixed tricycle undercarriage, tapered low wing and the distinctive one-piece wraparound windshield.
Specifications
- The Cirrus SR20 has a length of 7.92 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.85 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Cirrus Design developed the SR20 as an all-composite family tourer, and the prototype first flew in 1995 before certification in 1998. Its Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) set a new safety benchmark for general aviation.
Variants
The SR20 was joined by the more powerful SR22, which became one of the best-selling GA aircraft in the world, and later turbocharged and jet-powered stablemates. Successive generations added glass cockpits and updated interiors.
Where you'll see it
The SR20 and SR22 are popular with UK private owners and flying schools, valued for their modern avionics and the reassurance of the ballistic parachute for training and touring.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.