Cessna's newly launched Mustang personal jet is expected to reach the 300th sale milestone early this month, having attracted more business at AOPA Expo than expected.
Cessna president Russ Meyer says: "The rather amazing response to the Mustang at NBAA [National Business Aviation Association show in September] might indicate that we have underestimated the size of this market."
He adds: "We will be well into production four years from now, and we are planning a rate of at least 150 to 200 a year." The company plans a 12h line move, with one Mustang to leave the factory every day-and-a-half.
Selection of a 1,350lb-thrust (6kN) engine between Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW600F and Williams' FJ series is expected "within 90 days", says Cessna, and the avionics package will be defined in the first quarter of next year.
The Mustang is aimed at the owner-flown market, to replace piston twins and turboprops. Competing aircraft include the EADS Socata TBM700 and Beechcraft King Air C90 single and twin-turboprops.
Source: Flight International
