Cirrus Aircraft has entered the multi mission market with an aircraft based on the SR22 range.
Known as the Cirrus Perception, the aircraft carries an external Sensor Mounting System (SMS) designed to be removed and reconfigured in minutes.
The aircraft will be certified under the Cirrus SR22/SR22T type certificate, and will be able to carry a variety of different sensor types, which can be removed and reconfigured for other missions, or flown "clean" with very few regulatory requirements.
"Cirrus’ entry into the special missions segment continues our growth plans into new and broader markets,” said Todd Simmons, Cirrus EVP of Sales, Marketing and Support.
“When we see growth opportunities, we listen to new customers and respond with the same innovative and creative thinking inherent in all our products.”
Cirrus expects to find customers in several sectors including law enforcement, search and rescue, aerial mapping, drug interdiction and border security.
Technological advances have made aerial sensors and observation systems lighter, more compact and affordable. Special mission operators no longer need a large turbine aircraft or helicopters carrying heavy sensors and cameras.
Cirrus now joins Cessna, Beechcraft, Tecnam, Vulcanair, Piaggio and GippsAero as having multi mission platforms.