Cirrus Aircraft

SF50 Vision Jet Single Engine Jet Performance and General Specifications

DM By Don Medine December 27, 2023 4 min read 0 Comments
Photo by David Pippin Cirrus Vision Jet V tail

Pretty Impressive Specifications…

The Cirrus Vision Jet has redefined what many pilots expect from a personal jet. Since entering service in 2016, it has become the world’s best-selling single-engine jet, with more than 800 Vision Jets delivered and a steadily growing fleet around the globe.

Cirrus Aircraft describes the Vision Jet as an aircraft capable of performing many of the same regional and cross-country missions as larger business jets—but at significantly lower acquisition and operating costs.

Its innovative single-engine, carbon-fiber composite, and V-tail design contributes to lowest CO2 emissions and operating expenses while maintaining impressive performance. In addition, every Vision Jet is approved to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and independent studies have shown the Vision Jet to have among the lowest CO₂ emissions of any certified business jet in its class.

How the Vision Jet Got Its Name

The aircraft’s name evolved throughout its development.

  • 2006–2008: Developed under the project name “The Jet” or “The-Jet by Cirrus.”
  • July 2008: Introduced publicly as the Vision SJ50, with the “V” representing the distinctive V-tail and “SJ” standing for “Single Jet.”
  • 2009: Renamed the Vision SF50 to reflect its single-fan turbofan engine.
  • 2016: Following FAA certification, Cirrus adopted the marketing name simply known today as the Vision Jet, while the aircraft’s FAA type designation remains Model SF50.

Designed for the Owner-Pilot

Unlike many traditional business jets, the Vision Jet was designed specifically for pilots transitioning from high-performance piston aircraft, particularly the Cirrus SR22 and SR22T.

Several design features make that transition easier:

  • Fits inside most standard T-hangars
  • Familiar Garmin Perspective Touch+ avionics
  • Single Williams International turbofan engine
  • Single-pilot certified
  • Factory-supported transition training
  • Industry-leading safety features

These characteristics allow owner-pilots to step into turbine aircraft ownership without the complexity associated with many larger corporate jets.

Safety by Design

The Vision Jet incorporates multiple layers of safety that distinguish it from other aircraft in the very light jet category.

Notable safety features include:

  • Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®)—the first whole-aircraft parachute system certified for a personal jet.
  • Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland (Generation 2+ aircraft and later), allowing passengers to activate an automated landing sequence if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
  • Garmin Emergency Autothrottle (newer models)
  • Advanced weather, terrain, traffic, and synthetic vision technology integrated into the Garmin Perspective Touch+ flight deck.

General Specifications

  • Crew: 1 pilot
  • Passengers: Up to 6
  • Length: 30 ft 11 in (9.42 m)
  • Wingspan: 38 ft 8 in (11.79 m)
  • Height: 10 ft 11 in (3.32 m)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
  • Empty Weight: Approximately 3,550 lb (1,610 kg)
  • Maximum Useful Load: Approximately 2,450 lb
  • Maximum Payload: 1,328 lb (602 kg)
  • Fuel Capacity: 2,000 lb (approximately 296 gallons)
  • Cabin Dimensions: 5.1 ft wide × 4.1 ft high
  • Powerplant: One Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan producing 1,846 pounds of thrust

Performance

  • Maximum Cruise Speed: 315 KTAS (358 mph / 576 km/h)
  • Typical Cruise Speed: Approximately 315 KTAS
  • Stall Speed (Landing Configuration): 67 knots
  • Maximum Operating Altitude: 31,000 feet
  • Maximum Operating Mach: Mach 0.53 (Mach 0.54 with latest software installed)
  • Fuel Burn:
    • Approximately ~68 gals/hr at maximum cruise
    • Approximately ~46 gals/hr at economy cruise
  • Range:
    • Approximately 600 nautical miles with a 1,200-pound payload at maximum cruise
    • Up to approximately 1,200 nautical miles with a light payload at economy cruise
  • Takeoff Distance:
    • Approximately 2,036 feet ground roll
    • Approximately 3,192 feet over a 50-foot obstacle
  • Landing Distance:
    • Approximately 1,628 feet ground roll

Avionics

The Vision Jet features the Garmin Perspective Touch+ flight deck, based on Garmin’s G3000 integrated avionics system.

Features include:

  • Large touchscreen flight displays
  • Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT)
  • Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP)
  • Autothrottle (newer aircraft)
  • Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland
  • SurfaceWatch™
  • Electronic checklists
  • Wireless database updates
  • Integrated weather, traffic, terrain awareness, and flight management

Why Pilots Choose the Vision Jet

The Vision Jet occupies a unique position in aviation. It combines the simplicity of owner-flown aircraft with the speed, comfort, and capability of a certified turbine jet.

Whether your mission involves business travel, family vacations, or personal transportation, the Vision Jet offers a compelling blend of performance, safety, and operating efficiency that few aircraft can match.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re looking for a contract pilot, Supervised Operating Experience – SOE mentor, or long-term operational partner, SF50 Flight Support provides the reliability and expertise your Vision Jet deserves.

📍 Based in the Nashville area — supporting Vision Jet operations nationwide.

📧 Contact us today to discuss your upcoming flight needs. Call or text (615) 543-8553 or schedule a call.

For more video content, check out our  – YouTube channel.

At SF50 Flight Support, we specialize exclusively in the Cirrus Vision Jet. If you’re considering purchasing a new or pre-owned Vision Jet, we’d be happy to help you evaluate the market, compare aircraft, understand ownership costs, and navigate the acquisition process with confidence.

Credit

 

DM
Written by

Don Medine

SF50 Flight Support contributor sharing real-world insight on owning, operating and flying the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet.

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