Textron has achieved FAA type certification for its super-midsize jet, the Cessna Citation Longitude.
FAA type certification follows flight, structural and component qualification testing, with the experimental and demo fleet completing nearly 6,000 hours of flight time. In addition to 11,000 test points during the certification process, the Longitude also completed a 31,000-nautical-mile world tour to demonstrate the aircraft’s long-range performance in a variety of environments.
“With the broadest lineup of business aviation platforms available worldwide, today Textron Aviation welcomes the Longitude into the esteemed Citation family of products and begins a new era of best-in-class solutions for our customers,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The Longitude revolution starts now.”
The Longitude is produced at Textron Aviation’s manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas. Draper credits the company’s employees for the success of the programme: “Their hard work and dedication have been spectacular through every step of the programme, from initial concept, through design and testing, production and now into product support.”
The Citation Longitude is designed around the pilot experience, passenger comfort and overall performance, and informed by customer research.
The interior of the Longitude offers cabin soundproofing and a cabin altitude of 5,950ft. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6ft-tall flat-floor cabin. The aircraft has a standard double-club configuration, and fully berthable seats designed and manufactured in-house. Passengers can control environmental and entertainment equipment from any mobile device, plus benefit from inflight connectivity.
The Citation Longitude exceeded initial performance targets and achieved an improved transcontinental range of 3,500 nautical miles (an increase of 100 nautical miles) and full fuel payload of 1,600 lb, an increase of 100 lb. The longest-range Citation delivers a maximum cruise speed of 483 ktas.
“The Longitude is the best flying Citation yet,” said Ed Wenninger, chief pilot for Textron Aviation engineering flight test. “The FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines feature fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection and provide responsiveness and excellent power.”
Images: Textron
