Cirrus SR22 on a Taxiway at Donaueschingen Airfield
Photo: Steinleitner/Universität Stuttgart
As a test platform for future research in the field of automated or autonomously flying aircraft, the iFR owns a single-engine SR22 from Cirrus with a wingspan of just under 12 m, an MTOM of about 1600 kg, and a cruise speed of 185 knots.
Under a LuFo-funded research project and with support of the DFG, the SR22 will be equipped with an electric flight control system (redundant sensors, actuators, FCCs, power supply). On this basis, the aircraft will be capable of flying autonomously and without a pilot on board in all mission phases including take-off and landing. In emergencies, the aircraft descends safely to the ground with a parachute using a so-called CAPS system.