In 1994, Cirrus Design of Minnesota announced the SR20. The name SR20 stands for single-engine reciprocating 200 hp. The Cirrus SRV is a VFR-only version of the SR20 designed for flight schools. The Cirrus SRV is neither certified nor equipped for IFR flight.
The traditional SR20 is too much airplane for basic flight training. As flight schools succeed or fail based on the cost of training, Cirrus decided to come up with an economy version of its popular, well-equipped SR20. The aircraft was certified in 2003.
The SRV has the same side-stick controllers as the SR20 and comes standard with a parachute for the whole aircraft. Dubbed the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System, the emergency parachute is deployed in the case of an emergency. The system was tested and a landing at the maximum rate of descent did not create loads that would cause injury to the occupants.
A 200 hp Continental engine powers the SRV. The aircraft achieves 160-knot cruise speeds, which is unheard of for this class of aircraft on this amount of power. The cabin is roomy, modern and comfortable. The aircraft features composite construction. Even though it is a low-wing airplane, there are two doors for entry so the pilot can be the last one in. Aircraft handling is predictable. It is certificated under the latest set of FAA requirements, which are more restrictive than those from the 1940s and 1950s from which many piston aircraft trace their heritage.