Cessna plans to begin first deliveries of its newly certificated Citation Encore in the third quarter of this year following US Federal Aviation Administration type approval granted on 26 April.
The Encore, launched in late 1998 as the Model 560, is Cessna's successor to the Ultra. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535-powered derivative is claimed to be 15% more fuel-efficient than its JT15D-equipped predecessor, has 355mm (14in) wingtip extensions for better performance, and trailing link gear for softer landings. The aircraft also sports an updated interior, increased fuel payload and bleed air anti-icing wing leading edges.
In line with other new generation Citation family members, the Encore is also equipped with Honeywell's Primus 1000 as the standard avionics package, with the GNS-XL flight management system. Cessna plans to begin demonstration tours of the Encore within two months.
Meanwhile, flight testing of Cessna's smaller CJ2 is nearing completion and "yielding better than expected performance", says the manufacturer.
Improvements to the enhanced aircraft include a rise in payload of 114kg (250lb) to 365kg, a 110km (60nm) surge in range to 3,320km and a 10kt (18km/h) increase in cruise speed at 33,000ft (10,000m) to 410kt. Certification is due this quarter.
Source: Flight International
