The first production unit of the Cessna Citation Longitude has rolled out, destined for Textron Aviation’s demonstration fleet. The clean-sheet, super-midsize business jet is scheduled to enter the market by the end of 2017.
“The Citation Longitude sets a new standard in the super-midsize segment, not only through the aircraft’s design and performance, but also in the way we are manufacturing it,” said Ron Draper, senior vice president, integrated supply chain.
“We’re incorporating a number of new and innovative fabrication and assembly techniques that will improve processes, reduce the number of parts and provide excellent quality and precision that will aid in the overall maintainability of the aircraft.”
The measures include monolithic machining, whereby major assemblies are milled from a single piece of metal to reduce the number of parts and ease assembly.
The assembly line also features vertical tooling stations designed to enhance ergonomics for employees and use factory space more efficiently.
The Citation Longitude will have a 6ft-tall flat-floor cabin and accommodate up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat. A double-club configuration is offered as standard, with berthable seats designed and made in-house.
Other highlights include the 5,950ft cabin altitude, inflight-accessible baggage compartment, PED control over the cabin environment and entertainment, and high-speed internet as standard. The aircraft will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles.
June 22, 2017
