Manager Gary Genge Discusses the Winglets Retrofit Update

From its maiden flight in September of 2007, to its first retrofit in August of 2009, Cessna’s Citation X Elliptical Winglets update has made extraordinary progress in the past two years.  After receiving their supplemental type certificates from the FAA and EASA for the installation in June, Cessna Aircraft Company announced the first delivery of the Citation X to be fitted with Elliptical Winglets.

Though the first installation was carried out at the Wichita Cessna Service Center, plans are currently underway to expand the Elliptical Winglet installation to all nine Cessna Service Centers throughout the U.S. and Europe.  A collaborative effort with the Wichita-based Winglet Technology, the patented design optimizes lift distribution along the entirety of the Citation X wingspan.

The resulting reduction in induced drag significantly improves the operational performance of the Citation X.  The exceptional technology has increased takeoff weight and climb performance in hot or high departure locations; the Citation X can now climb to FL450 at maximum takeoff weight (increased to 1,200 pounds), with a maximum cruise speed for altitudes above FL410 increased up to 15 knots. 

 In addition, the Elliptical Winglet installation dramatically increases the aircraft efficiency, providing for a 4-5% reduction in fuel consumption and a maximum range increase of up to 150 nautical miles.

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