Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
Cessna is boosting the performance of its Citation X super mid-size business jet just four years after the Mach.92 cruise speed aircraft was introduced. The improvements, to be announced at the National Business Aviation Association Convention (NBAA) in New Orleans which opens on 10 October, will be incorporated into all Citation Xs delivered after 1 January next year for a modest price hike of $395,000.
The Wichita, Kansas-based manufacturer is making use of an extra 5% thrust available from its Rolls-Royce AE 3007C-1 turbofans - originally offered to Embraer to boost the performance of its regional airliners and super mid- size ECJ-135 Legacy business jet.
Each engine's take-off thrust has been increased from 6,442lb (28.67kN) to 6,764lb and the maximum takeoff weight boosted by 400lbs (181.6kg) to 36,100lbs.
With cheaper super-mid-size business jets like the Bombardier Continental becoming available in late 2002, Cessna is keen to boost the competitiveness of the $18.5 million Citation X. Equipment which was previously offered as optional will become standard on 2002 model Citation Xs, including: Honeywell's traffic collision avoidance system, an enhanced ground proximity warning system and cockpit voice recorder.
The Citation X order book totals around 60 machines, with more than 125 aircraft in service.
Meanwhile, Cessna is also planning to use NBAA to introduce two new single-engined models, available next year as an addition to its growing piston engine line. The 182T Skylane and T182T Turbo Skylane will feature redesigned wing tips, restyled and relocked main gear fairings and an improved nose gear fairing, a low drag wing strut fairing and streamlined refuelling and entrance steps.
Cessna will also add a number of features as standard to its 2001 single engine product line. These include: removable overhead panels for simple maintenance inspection; 12v electrical outlet for portable GPS; CD player and laptop computer; light weight door handle mechanism and formed composite Kydex side panels. A Honeywell KMD 550 full multi- function display will now be offered as an option throughout the single engine product line.
Source: Flight International
