Cessna Citation Longitude Achieves Wing and Fuselage Mate Milestone
Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announces during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) that it has successfully completed the wing and fuselage mate of the first Cessna Citation Longitude, just six months after revealing the new aircraft. This is a significant milestone in the production of this class-leading aircraft, which is on track for first flight this summer and entry into service in 2017.
“Since introducing the new Citation Longitude to the market only six months ago, the team has been working diligently to meet a development schedule unmatched in the industry, and it’s rewarding to see the aircraft taking shape,” says Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The market is asking for this aircraft, and we are pleased to take a concept inspired by what our customers need in payload, speed, range and cabin comfort and turn it into a class-leading jet with the lowest total ownership costs.”
The Citation Longitude is the company’s latest innovation as it continues to invest in its family of larger business jets. The aircraft is designed specifically for maximum passenger comfort and offers the lowest cabin altitude in its class at 5,950 feet. State-of-the-art cabin technology allows passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while standard high-speed internet maximizes productivity in flight. With seating for up to 12 passengers, the Longitude features a stand-up, flat-floor cabin with a standard double-club configuration and a class-leading walk-in baggage compartment, fully accessible in flight.
The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest ownership costs in this category. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles. The aircraft offers a full fuel payload of 1,500 pounds, a maximum cruise speed of 476 knots and a high-speed range of 3,400 nautical miles. With head-up display and enhanced vision capability, the Longitude facilitates eyes-up flying. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.