Cessna has claimed an early edge over its closest competitor after announcing a 200nm (370km) improvement in range and a 9% reduction in take-off roll for the Citation Latitude.
With one-third of the certification programme left to complete, Cessna now lists the still-developmental midsize jet with a 2,700nm range at long-range cruise speed and a take-off distance of 1,118m (3,668ft).
It is the programme’s third announce range increase for the Latitude, which was unveiled with an announced range of 2,000nm.
“The entire team is focused on ensuring we exceed customer expectations with the new Citation Latitude,” says Scott Ernest, president and chief executive of parent Textron Aviation.
Three Latitude flight test aircraft have logged more than 260 flights and 600 flight hours since achieving first flight on 18 February.
The fourth test aircraft – named P-3 – joined the test team on 30 September with a 2.5h first flight.
The programme remains on track to receive airworthiness certification in the second quarter next year.
That schedule means it will enter service simultaneously with the planned arrival of the Embraer Legacy 450, its closest competitor.
Embraer now lists the Legacy 450 with a range of 2,500nm, or 200nm shorter than the latest improvement in the Latitude’s performance. Like many manufacturers, however, the Brazilian manufacturer often increases performance standards as new aircraft approach certification.
Last month, Embraer announced the certification of the Legacy 500 while raising the promise range by 130nm to 3,130nm, as it chases the 3,200nm range of the slightly larger Bombardier Challenger 350.
The $16 million Latitude seats up to nine passengers plus two crewmembers.
Source: Flight International
