FAA Approval Expected In Q2 2009 Cirrus Aircraft has officially taken the wraps off its new "Known Ice Protection" option for Cirrus SR22 and Turbo models. Aircraft are available for sale now, with FAA certification for operations in known icing conditions expected in Q2 of 2009.
In a Monday teleconference, Cirrus Chairman Alan Klapmeier said "Known Ice Protection completes the picture for many when it comes to reliable, personal transportation. It can allow operations on marginal weather days when icing forecasts would otherwise preclude travel. This means a Cirrus customer gets more utility and ultimately more capability from their airplane investment."
Klapmeier continued, "An important issue to address up front is although the airplane has completed testing to show its safe to fly in FAA known icing conditions, no one should ever think that this means they can drone along impervious to nature in icing conditions — nature always wins! Of course proper training and decision making is essential for flight safety."
Developed in partnership with CAV Ice Protection Ltd., the Cirrus SR22 and Turbo Known Ice Protection system has CAV’s fully integrated TKS “weeping wing” technology in laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of wings, horizontal and vertical tail surfaces and elevator. Dual pumps provide the power needed to distribute the fluid throughout the airframe.
New high-intensity LED ice lights on both sides of the airplane illuminate wing leading edges and tail surfaces through a unique prism lens. An automotive-style de-icing system distributes TKS fluid evenly onto the windshield, and a traditional slinger-ring affords ice protection for the propeller and other remaining exposed surfaces.
The Cirrus Known Ice Protection system integrates with Cirrus Perspective (by Garmin) on 12-inch screens by displaying key operating and system status information on the MFD. TKS fluid capacity of up to 8 gallons maximum and various pilot selected flow rates allows de-icing fluid flow for up to 2.5 hours. If fluid levels run low, Cirrus Perspective will display cautions and increasing warnings.
