Why Cirrus... Turbo Choices

Cirrus has been growing its aircraft family from the introduction of the SR20 in 1998, the SR22 in 2000 and the first TURBO aircraft in 2006. With its unique strengths, each aircraft has met the needs of thousands of owners. And we continually pursue new innovations to bring you the most capable aircraft available.

In June 2010 the SR22T, equipped with the TCM TSIO-550-K turbocharged engine, was introduced as a new member to the Cirrus family of aircraft. Skeptics may believe this model is a repeat of the earlier "TURBO" airplane (introduced in 2006) that utilizes the turbonormalizing engine modification technology from Tornado Alley. However, a closer look reveals subtle differences between the two aircraft that address a variety of individual needs. In fact each system is carefully integrated to work with the airplane without sacrificing ease of use. To allow our customers to choose which aircraft is right for them, we currently offer both systems. Below are the specifications of each system.

Takeoff and Climb

	SR22T	TURBO
Takeoff Groundroll	822 ft 251 m	1028 ft 313 m
Takeoff Over 50' Obstacle	1267 ft 386 m	1594 ft 486 m
Time & Distance to climb to 12,000 ft Rich Mixture	9.8 minutes 21.7 nm	12.3 minutes 28.4 nm
Time & Distance to climb to 12,000 ft Lean of Peak	12.3 minutes 27.2 nm	18.9 minutes 45.3 nm
Time & Distance to climb to 18,000 ft Rich Mixture	15.1 minutes 35.1 nm	21.9 minutes 55.1 nm
Time & Distance to climb to 18,000 ft Lean of Peak	19.1 minutes 44.4 nm	30.7 minutes 77.9 nm
Time & Distance to climb to 25,000 ft Rich Mixture	23.4 minutes 58.7 nm	31.9 minutes 86.3 nm
Time & Distance to climb to 25,000 ft Lean of Peak	28.3 minutes 70.7 nm	42.2 minutes 113.4 nm
Takeoff and Climb Performance based on sea level standard condition and max gross weight

If you are interested in getting to your altitude a little faster while climbing either lean of peak or full power, the SR22T may be your answer. If takeoff performance is important, the SR22T also has a slight advantage.

Cruise Performance

Generally speaking when comparing cruise performance on the two aircraft models with the same percent power, the SR22T appears to be slightly faster and burns a little more fuel. But when you consider only the maximum range, the TURBO has slightly better range in most circumstances.

The table below provides a better understanding of the differences between the SR22T and the TURBO in efficiency by comparing percent power to fuel flows.

Cruise Performance based on Percent Power (Speed/Fuel Flow/Range)

% Power	Altitude	Airspeed (KTAS)		Max. Range (NM)		Fuel Flow (gph)
		SR22T	TURBO	SR22T	TURBO	SR22T	TURBO
85%	12,000	188	186	806	831	18.3	17.6
	18,000	200	198	848	876
	25,000	214	211	900	886
75%	12,000	179	177	853	872	16.4	16.0
	18,000	190	189	895	917
	25,000	203	202	947	925
65%	12,000	169	168	904	942	14.6	14.0
	18,000	178	179	946	988
	25,000	190	191	996	992
Performance based on AFM Lean of Peak power settings, ISA

The TURBO has a slight edge in efficiency, which correlates to the compression ratio difference of 8.5:1 in the TURBO and 7.5:1 in the SR22T.

Flexible Fuel Path

Unleaded aviation fuel has recently been a topic of much discussion and Cirrus is proactively addressing what the future of unleaded fuel may be for some time. Regardless of what the future aviation fuel will be the 7.5:1 compression ratio of the SR22T engine ensures more tolerant detonation margins that allow the most flexibility for turbocharged engines when the future fuel is identified. The cost for this flexibility with a 7.5:1 compression ratio is a slight loss of efficiency. However, this loss of fuel efficiency may be a small sacrifice for future fuel readiness.

Technology Path

Tornado Alley Turbo, the company that makes the TURBO modification possible through their factory STC has historically been a "break the mold" engine modification company. Those who are looking for the "against the grain" innovation mindset will be please with the SR22 w/ TATI (TURBO).

Overhaul Costs

Both engines are competitively priced. When you are facing a required engine overhaul and considering estimates, pay special attention to which engine components are to be rebuilt and which components will be replaced with new. Also, find out if there are any warranties associated with the new engine and its components. This will ensure you are receiving the best value and protection of your engine.

Noise

Airport noise restrictions have been gaining momentum in recent years as takeoff curfews, decibel restrictions and increasing complex departure procedures are finding their way to more and more airports. This may be a concern for you if the airports you most frequently visit are imposing noise restrictions. The SR22 with TATI only produces a 83.65 dB(A) environment or "fly over" noise level the SR22T is quieter at 80.32 dB(A). This lower decibel level on the SR22T is a result of a propeller governor fixed at 2500 RPMs, even at which maximum take-off and climb performance is not sacrificed.

The choice is simple. Choose your Cirrus to fit your mission and then pick the engine that best meets your performance expectations.