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Cessna’s New Citation M2 Makes First Flight Today

WICHITA, Kan., March 9, 2012 — Cessna’s new Citation M2, announced less than six months ago, made its first prototype flight today. The flight lasted a little more than an hour and a half and included tests of the avionics system, autopilot, engine system, aircraft systems and instrument approaches. The prototype took off and landed at Wichita, Kan., Mid-Continent Airport (ICT) where Cessna’s main manufacturing facility is located. Cessna Aircraft Company is a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

“I am excited to say the aircraft performance, handling characteristics and Garmin G3000 avionics were exceptional, just as we had anticipated,” said Peter Fisher, Cessna’s engineering test pilot who flew the Citation M2. “With this essential program milestone complete, we are looking forward to a successful flight test program and FAA certification so our customers can soon enjoy this great aircraft.”

The Citation M2 is a new light business jet that fills the gap between the Citation Mustang and the Citation CJ family and gives customers another entry point into the Citation product line. Federal Aviation Administration certification (Part 23) is expected in the first half of 2013, followed by deliveries beginning in the second half of 2013.

“The Citation M2 development team is focused on bringing this program to maturity, and their dedication is reflected in the speed in which the program is moving forward,” said Brian Rohloff, Cessna’s Citation Mustang and M2 business leader. “Bringing this sleek airplane to market, so quickly, strongly positions Cessna in the marketplace and allows our customers to take advantage of its capabilities sooner.”

The Citation M2’s clean cockpit design is anchored by the fully integrated Garmin G3000 avionics suite and the aircraft is powered by a pair of FADEC-controlled Williams International FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan engines. It has an all-new cabin design, including the optional Cessna proprietary cabin management system that includes the latest interface options for greater in-flight productivity and connectivity.

With room for two crew and up to six passengers, the $4.195 million 2012 USD Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 400 knots true airspeed (741 kilometers per hour) and a range of 1,300 nautical miles (2,408 kilometers). The aircraft can operate at airports with runways as short as 3,250 feet (991 meters) and will climb to 41,000 feet (12,497 meters) in 24 minutes.

From the cockpit divider aft through the rear lavatory, the main passenger cabin of the Citation M2 is 58 inches wide (1.47 meters) and 11 feet (3.3 meters) long with a 5-inch dropped aisle providing a cabin height of 57 inches (1.45 meters). Eight large windows, roomy pedestal seats and intuitive cabin appointments highlight the all-new interior.

A video highlighting the Citation M2’s features can be viewed on Cessna’s YouTube channel. Visit our gallery of Citation M2 images.

Cessna is the world’s leading general aviation company. Since its inception in 1927, Cessna has designed, produced and delivered more than 192,500 airplanes around the globe. This includes more than 6,100 Citation business jets, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. Today, Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at cessna.com.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at textron.com.

March 12, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Cessna Citation Mustang Reaches 400 Aircraft

The Mustang’s most common use is corporate business or personal travel. Its second most common use is air taxi service. In growing popularity, the Mustang is also being used for special missions as medical air transport and as an airline flight training tool.

“Having the Mustang in our fleet is a great way to get pilots into a jet for the first time — when they get behind the controls, the excitement is written all over their face,” said Rohloff. “Then, when they are ready to move up, the rest of our Citation fleet is right there waiting.”

WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 27, 2012 — Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, rolled its 400th Citation Mustang off the assembly line at its Independence, Kan., facility. This milestone was accomplished in a little more than five years since the Mustang’s first delivery in November 2006.

“What an achievement for Cessna and for the employees in Wichita and Independence who engineer, design, support and manufacture this great airplane,” said Brian Rohloff, Cessna’s Citation Mustang and M2 business leader. “Mustang sales remain strong, pilots like its ease of operation and low operating costs — it’s a compelling airplane, designed and built with Cessna ingenuity and pride.”

The Mustang’s most common use is corporate business or personal travel. Its second most common use is air taxi service. In growing popularity, the Mustang is also being used for special missions as medical air transport and as an airline flight training tool.

“Having the Mustang in our fleet is a great way to get pilots into a jet for the first time — when they get behind the controls, the excitement is written all over their face,” said Rohloff. “Then, when they are ready to move up, the rest of our Citation fleet is right there waiting.”

The worldwide fleet of Mustangs is averaging 480 hours, with 45 Mustangs having accumulated more than 1,000 hours each. High time Mustangs are 1,600 hours (typical operation) and 2,200 hours (fleet operation).

The Citation Mustang is the world’s first fully certified entry-level business jet. The program was announced at the 2002 National Business Aviation Association convention and the aircraft made its first flight in April 2005, received FAA type certificate in September 2006 and celebrated its first delivery in November 2006. Coming in at just over $3 million (2012 delivery), the Mustang features Garmin avionics, Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and boasts a maximum 1,100-nautical mile range.

More information on the Mustang can be found on the Citation Mustang page on Cessna’s website. Also, visit our gallery of Mustang images.

January 28, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.