This is the cheapest private jet in the world — and it's a true game changer

Benjamin Zhang
May 25, 2017, 2:14 PM

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Cirrus Aircraft

The Airbus A380 superjumbo may be the next big thing in private jets, but the tiny Cirrus Vision Jet is the next game changer.

At $1.96 million, the diminutive Cirrus is the most affordable private jet on sale today. In fact, it's about half the price of its nearest jet-powered competitor.

The Vision Jet has been 10 years in the making, Cirrus' vice president of marketing and communications, Ben Kowalski, told Business Insider. The production model of the Vision Jet made its first flight in May 2016. A few months later, the aircraft was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The company is now ramping up production and deliveries.

According to Kowalski, the Vision Jet's target markets are private owners and regional commercial air services.

In addition, Cirrus says the Vision Jet is a natural progression for owners of the company's popular lineup of high-performance piston-engine aircraft.

Here's a closer look at the Cirrus Vision Jet:

The Cirrus Vision Jet is the latest entrant into the very-light-jet market.

Cirrus Aircraft

Its main competitors include the HondaJet and Embraer Phenom 100.

HondaJet

Right off the bat, it's clear the Vision Jet is unlike anything else out there.

Cirrus Aircraft

Instead of a traditional rudder, the Vision Jet features a distinctive V-tail.

Cirrus Aircraft

It's also the first private jet to be offered with a single engine — a Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan producing 1,800 pounds of thrust.

Cirrus Aircraft

As a result, Cirrus says the Vision Jet can cruise at 345 mph with a maximum operating altitude of 28,000 feet, and the aircraft can take off in just 2,036 feet.

Cirrus Aircraft

According to Cirrus, the Vision Jet has a range 1,150 miles at 345 mph or 1,380 miles at 276 mph. That means the aircraft can make nonstop trips between New York and Dallas or Los Angeles and Kansas City.

Cirrus Aircraft

The jet is assembled in Duluth, Minnesota, using a single-piece carbon-fiber fuselage.

Cirrus Aircraft

Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, measuring 4.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide.

Cirrus Aircraft

There's room for up to five adults and two children.

Cirrus Aircraft

Amenities include USB charging ports for every seat, an in-flight entertainment system, and mood lighting.

Cirrus Aircraft

Because of its carbon fiber construction, the Vision Jet offers large windows ...

Cirrus Aircraft

... including a panoramic windshield in the cockpit, offering pilots great visibility.

Cirrus Aircraft

Speaking of the cockpit, it's state of the art. It features a bevy of large touchscreen displays with Garmin's Perspective Touch avionics suite that automates many of the aircraft's system, reducing the flight crew's workload.

Cirrus Aircraft

Instead of a traditional control yoke, the Vision Jet uses sidestick technology.

Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus also built in an envelope protection system that keeps the aircraft operating within a safe flight envelope — preventing the pilot from putting the plane in danger.

Cirrus Aircraft

In fact, the Vision Jet can be operated by a single pilot.

Cirrus Aircraft

The Vision Jet also is equipped with Cirrus' signature parachute system for emergencies. Cirrus says the system, in its other models, has been credited with saving over 100 lives.

Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus expects the Vision Jet to be one of its most popular products. The company has taken 600 orders for the plane valued at more than $1 billion. Cirrus will produce about 40 aircraft in the first year, with production expected to stabilize at between 100 and 125 planes a year in the future.

Cirrus Aircraft

Check out the Cirrus Vision Jet on video:

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