Super-midsize business jet, the Cessna Citation Longitude has received Type Certification from the FAA.
Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation said, “With the broadest lineup of business aviation platforms available worldwide, we welcome the Longitude into the esteemed Citation family of products and begin a new era of best-in-class solutions for our customers.”
According to the Aircraft’s manufacturer Textron, the experimental and demo fleet completed close to 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, demonstrating the aircraft’s long-range performance capability and reliability in a variety of environments.
Early in the development program, the Citation Longitude achieved an improved transcontinental range of 3,500 nautical miles, an increase of 100 nautical miles and full fuel payload of 1,600 lbs, an increase of 100 lbs. 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.”
The Longitude is produced at Textron Aviation’s manufacturing facility in Wichita, USA “The real success of the program comes from the talent and customer focus our employees bring to work every day,” Draper said. “Their hard work and dedication have been spectacular through every step of the program, from initial concept, through design and testing, production and now into product support.”
The Citation Longitude is the flagship of the Citation family of business jets and has class-leading legroom, cabin sound levels that are nearly twice as quiet as the nearest competitor, a low cabin altitude of 5,950ft and more standard features than competitors in this segment, claim Textron.
The jet can seat up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat and features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin.
