Cessna has begun building the Citation Mustang prototype's tooling and parts.

To date, over 3,600 detail parts have been produced for the prototype and ground test articles. Cessna anticipates the first Citation Mustang prototype to be completed next year, with the first flight in the second quarter of 2005.

"The Citation Mustang program is on schedule," said Program Manager Russ Meyer III. "We have selected approximately 80 percent of the Citation Mustang's suppliers through our supplier source selection process, and expect to name the remaining 20 percent by the end of 2004. Throughout the supplier selection process we have utilized our integrated design teams consisting of cross-functional Cessna experts as well as input from our customers."

The Citation Mustang's engine tests also continue to make progress. The Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW615F engine has logged over 80 hours of flight time since its first flight on April 27, 2004. Completed testing includes engine operability in the Citation Mustang flight regime, fan envelope expansion, and air starts.

Progress also continues on the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system for the Citation Mustang. Cessna anticipates delivery of an operating avionics hot bench in August. In addition, the G1000 autopilot test article is in operation. Cessna flight evaluations of the autopilot begin late this year.

FMI: www.textron.com, www.cessna.com, www.GAMA.aero