Cessna’s manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas, USA, was the scene for the roll-out of the first production Citation Latitude. The midsize aircraft was announced to the market three years ago. Cessna said the assembly of the Latitude incorporated the use of new automated robotics and ergonomically friendly tooling stations. The company expects FAA type certification for the aircraft in the second quarter of 2015.
“Our product investments extend beyond the design and performance features of the aircraft with innovations in our manufacturing processes,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO. “The Citation Latitude team has redefined what customers should expect from a business aircraft in this segment, while also redefining the aircraft build process.”
The Citation Latitude certification program includes four flying aircraft and has accumulated 500 flights and 1,200 hours to date. The first fully configured aircraft made its public debut at NBAA 2014 and has since been touring the country for customer demonstration flights.
The midsize Citation Latitude features an all-new fuselage, the widest of any Citation jet. The cabin has a flat floor and is 6ft high. Cessna’s Clairity cabin technology system ties into the Latitude’s avionics center to provide connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. The aircraft accommodates up to nine passengers and has a range of up to 2,700 nautical miles. The pressurization system provides a 6,000ft cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000ft.
Click here to read more about the Citation Latitude from the January 2012 issue of Business Jet Interiors International.
