FLIGHTLINE
INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY NEWS
Four-Engine
CIRRUS DEBUTS SR22T
Electric Cri-Cri
Unveiled
AT THE GREEN AVIATION SHOW, held in June at Le Bourget, Paris, EADS
(the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company) created quite
a buzz when it unveiled what it calls the first-ever four-engine electric-powered aerobatic airplane, based on the tiny Cri-Cri homebuilt
designed by Frenchman Michel Colomban in 1973.
Working in partnership with Aero Composites Saintonge and the
Greencri-cri Association, EADS Innovation Works used composite
materials instead of metal to reduce overall weight and make room for
the high-energy-density lithium batteries. Those cells provide power
to four brushless electric motors—two mounted back-to-back on nose
pods on each side—with contra-rotating propellers.
EADS Innovation Works claims the aircraft will have “novel”
performance: 30 minutes of cruise flight at 110 km/h ( 68 mph); 15
minutes of full aerobatics at up to 250 km/h (155 mph); and a climb
rate of approximately 5. 3 m/sec ( 1,020 fpm).
CIRRUS AIRCRAFT DEBUTED ITS newest
addition to the SR22 line, the SR22T, during
the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association
gathering in June. The four-seat composite
piston airplane features a lighter nose
landing gear, a redesigned cowl to improve
cooling, and new environmental control
system hardware that supports additional
cabin heating. The SR22T includes the
availability of Teledyne Continental Motors
TSIO-550-K, offering the additional benefit
of future fuel flexibility. Prices start at
$475,000, with deals offered for current
Cirrus owners who want to upgrade.
For more information, visit www.CirrusAircraft.com.
HIGH-VIS VISOR FOR
PPC PILOTS
LYNX AVIONICS NOW OFFERS a new high-visibility visor for use with its aviation
helmets. The visor incorporates a transparent
tinted visor peak that allows unrestricted
upward vision while providing ultraviolet sun
protection. The new visor is available as an
option and is particularly useful for powered
parachute pilots, where upward visibility is
important for checking the aircraft’s canopy.
