Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New Special Mission Platform

Cirrus Aircraft announced it has received FAA certification for Cirrus Perception®, an adaptable, cost-effective special mission platform tailored specifically for both 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 unique performance capabilities suitable for airborne traffic and law enforcement operations, aerial surveying, mapping and photography, search and rescue missions, disaster management and support, border surveillance and more. 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 delivers on both fronts and sets the new global benchmark as the most capable, flexible and cost-effective ISR platform available today.”

Cirrus Perception starts with the most sophisticated models of single engine aircraft in the world, 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 a wide 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.

The market introduction of the Perception platform provides special mission customers with the most technologically advanced and cost-effective aircraft available. Missions that would have formerly needed large, multi-million dollar turbine aircraft or rotorcraft in order to carry dated, heavier technology can now utilize compact, advanced lightweight systems that Cirrus Perception supports. In addition to the special mission features, Perception-tailored aircraft come loaded with all the other benefits that come standard in the SR22 and SR22T airplanes. These include: the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite, 210+ knot cruise speeds, Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) capability, a useful load in excess of 1300 pounds, optional air conditioning, and the widest, most comfortable cabin in its class.

“Cirrus Perception is revolutionary in the special mission market,” continued Moser. “Our customers in military, law enforcement, surveillance, search and rescue, land surveyance and more can look forward to the adaptable nature of the Perception. We are excited to see this new platform utilized across a variety of industries.”

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