On 12-Nov-2003, (Potential Bo Buyer) wrote:

Are the Lancair Columbia and Cirrus SR22 substitute products for the
4-place Bonanzas?


At first glance the primary capability and performance difference is that a
Bonanza (model 35) will have a fairly large payload advantage over a
comparably equipped SR22. If each is fueled for a 500 nm trip with IFR
reserves a typical SR22 will have a maximum cabin payload of around 680 lbs
and a Bonanza around 925 lbs. The SR22 will probably be a few kts faster,
which is remarkable considering the fixed gear.

I guess what this shows is that composite construction allows for greater
drag reduction at a penalty of higher weight. (The SR22 has an empty weight
of 2250 lbs and older Bonanzas come in at around 1950 lbs.)

--
-Elliott Drucker