Cessna Citation Latitude Exceeds Expectations in Key Areas Cessna announced recently that it was very pleased with the final details on the Citation Latitude business jet. The new aircraft has exceeded previous expectations in runway performance, range as well as operational costs. The testing regime for the new business jet is over and the revised figures to reflect the improvement in above mentioned sectors are released. Figures indicate that runway performance improved to allow the Latitude to takeoff in slightly less distance than previously calculated. An improved takeoff distance of 1,091 meters (3,580 feet) compared to the previously projected 1,116 meters (3,660 feet) is pleasurable to know.
The aircraft has also flown a further 150 nautical miles than anticipated bringing her range to around 5,278 kilometers (2,850 nautical miles) at long-range cruise. At high-speed cruise, that range diminishes slightly to 2,700 nautical miles or in the region of 5,000 kilometers. “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 1,813-meter (5,950-foot) cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 13,716 meters (45,000 feet). For more information: Cessna Aircraft Company 1 Cessna Blvd. Wichita, KS 67215 www.cessna.com ***
