Cessna has successfully flown the first production model of the new Citation X.
The “flawless” 3.1-hour flight on August 1 included climbing to an altitude of 49,000ft and achieving a top speed of Mach 0.935.
The Citation X “continues to live up to its reputation as an exceptional aircraft delivering what owners need and pilots want,” said Brad Thress, Cessna senior vice president. “The aircraft’s 3,242nm range means it can easily handle a nonstop flight from New York to London, Honolulu to Dallas, or Singapore to Tokyo.”
The aircraft boasts two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 turbofan engines, each delivering 7,034 pounds of thrust. The Citation X is one of the few business jets permitted to operate at an altitude of 51,000 feet.
Citation X upgrades were announced in 2010. The Citation X now offers a longer cabin and greater range. The cockpit features three 14” primary displays and four touchscreen controllers for data entry and systems control. First flight of the new Citation X was in January 2012. Deliveries are expected to begin early in 2014.
