Cirrus SR20

The Cirrus SR20, introduced by Cirrus Aircraft Corporation in 1999, quickly became a benchmark for modern general‑aviation training and personal transportation. Developed as a four‑seat, composite‑constructed airplane, the SR20 was the first factory‑produced aircraft to feature an integrated glass cockpit with the Cirrus‑standard Avidyne or Garmin perspective avionics suite. Its hallmark safety system, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), deploys a parachute for the entire airplane, a feature that has saved dozens of lives since certification. Powered by a Continental IO‑360‑ES engine delivering 200 horsepower, the SR20 cruises at 155 knots, offers a range of roughly 730 nautical miles, and boasts a fuel‑efficient 12‑gallon‑per‑hour burn. The aircraft’s sleek, low‑drag design, composite wing with a 23‑degree winglet, and side‑yoke control contribute to its handling finesse, making it popular in flight schools worldwide. By marrying advanced technology, superior safety, and accessible performance, the SR20 helped reshape pilot training standards and sparked a resurgence of interest in modern, factory‑built, single‑engine aircraft. Since launch, over 3,500 SR20s have been delivered worldwide, earning the 2000 Aviation Week Innovation award. Its success led to the SR22, cementing Cirrus’s reputation for blending safety with modern technology.

Cirrus Aircraft Corporation

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification

External References