Improvements Announced In Final Range, Runway Performance And Operating Costs

Cessna announced Monday at EBACE that the Citation Latitude will enter the market with final range and runway performance specifications that exceed previous projections. The improved specifications will be part of the aircraft’s imminent FAA certification.

With the full flight test program now complete, the aircraft performance has yielded further improvements in aircraft range and runway performance: 2,850 nautical miles at long-range cruise, an increase of 150 nautical miles, and improved takeoff distance of 3,580 feet compared to the previously projected 3,660 feet.  Performance specifications at certification will also reflect the high-speed cruise range of 2,700 nautical miles.

“The new Citation Latitude has been a performance winner from day one – meeting or exceeding every milestone in the certification effort and winning the attention of customers with its expansive, large cabin environment and amenities,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO. “Customers also appreciate the Latitude’s midsize acquisition price and up to 20 percent lower operating costs than competing aircraft.”

The flight test program for the Latitude began with its first flight in February 2014. Since then, the program has grown to include four test articles that have flown 690 flights and amassed 1,700 flight hours, validating the maturity of the Garmin G5000 avionics system and features such as the standard auto-throttles, cabin cooling system and new pressurization system providing a 5,950-foot cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet.

(Image provided by Textron Aviation)

FMI: www.textronaviation.com