Cessna's New Jet Reaches Milestone

On Tuesday, Cessna made an announcement, which not only proves beneficial to its shareholders, but the business aviation industry as a whole. Cessna announced its Citation XLS has received FAA program approval less than six months since its introduction at the 2003 NBAA convention. The manufacturer claims the jet's final performance numbers are better than or identical to those announced.

Here is the rundown:

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 20,200 lbs
• Maximum Zero Fuel Weight: 15,100 lbs
• Basic Operating Weight: 12,740 lbs
• Useful Load: 7,660 lbs
• Maximum Usable Fuel (6.7 lbs/gal) 6,740 lbs
• Payload With Max Fuel: 920 lbs
• Speed/Altitude 431 ktas / 43,000 ft
• Climb performance to 45,000 ft / fuel lb 29 min / 888 lbs

Successor to the Citation Excel, the XLS is powered by Pratt & Whitney's new PW545B engines that provide 3,991 pounds of takeoff thrust each, an increase of 4.9 percent compared to the Excel. This additional thrust also provides remarkable cruise speeds and climb performance. At its maximum takeoff weight, the XLS is able to climb directly to 45,000 feet in 29 minutes, and cruise at 429 ktas once at that altitude. 

The XLS cockpit features the all new Honeywell Primus 1000 Control Display System (CDS) avionics system with three 8" x 10" liquid crystal displays; two primary flight displays (PFD), one for each pilot; and one multi-function display (MFD). The Primus 1000 CDS is controlled by dual Integrated Avionics Computers each containing multiple functions including the flight director and autopilot. All standard XLS avionics have been repackaged, and the TCAS II and EGPWS components are now located in the nose of the aircraft for ease of maintenance.

Another major enhancement to the XLS is the brake control system. Cessna has improved the brakes by moving the brake fluid reservoir, accumulator and hydraulic power pack to the left-hand faring. This allows for better maintainability and accessibility.

FMI: www.cessna.com