Less than six months after it was announced at last year's NBAA, the Citation XLS is expected to receive full type certification today.
Cessna believes it can achieve identical to or better than announced performance on the XLS the successor to the Citation Excel.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney's new PW545B engines, giving 3,990lb (18kN) of thrust, the aircraft will be able to climb directly to 45,000ft (14,000m) in 29min and cruise at 429kt (790km/h).
The XLS cockpit features the all-new Honeywell Primus 1000 Control Display System (CDS) avionics system with three 8x10in (20x25cm) liquid crystal displays: two primary flight displays (PFD), one for each pilot; and one multi-function display (MFD).
The Primus 1000 CDS is controlled by an integrated avionics computer that contains multiple functions including the flight director and autopilot.
The system is also equipped with Honeywell's emergency descent mode that provides protection for crew and passenger in the event of a loss of pressurisation by directing the flight control system to turn the aircraft 90° to the left and descend to 15,000ft. All standard XLS avionics have been repackaged and are now located in the nose of the aircraft for ease of maintenance.
The substantially expanded XLS standard equipment list incorporates over $600,000 of once-optional Excel equipment. The nine-place interior includes a six-place centre club-seating configuration, with a two-place belted couch and aft left-hand belted seat. New passenger seats have been added that provide 2-4in additional cushion width.
On the flightdeck, all-new crew seats from Goodrich Aerospace will be standard. These seats articulate in several positions for maximum comfort.
The latest technology in interior switching has been incorporated as standard to control lighting, cabin temperature, window shades and audio/video equipment. Traditional cabin lighting has been replaced with LED lights, which are more robust and reliable.
Cessna says it is on course to deliver the first Citation Sovereign in mid-2004 following its provisional type certification in December 2003.
MARK HANNANT
Source: Flight Daily News
