Cessna today launched its second new Citation business jet in as many weeks, closing the gap between the super light Citation XLS+ and midsize Citation Sovereign.
Set for certification in 2015, the $14.9 million Citation Latitude is a nine-passenger twinjet that will offer more range, speed and cabin roominess than the $12.6 million XLS+ but at a price much lower than the $17.5 million Sovereign. Cessna is offering an introductory price of $13.9 million for the aircraft to an undisclosed number of customers.
The all-metal business jet features Garmin G5000 avionics in a Cessna Intrinzic flightdeck, similar to the one Cessna is installing in the updated Citation Ten, which is targeted for entry into service (EIS) in the third quarter of 2013 along with previously announced Citation M2. The cockpit will feature three 14in displays with four touchscreen controllers.
The Latitude will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D turbofans featuring 3,000h inspection and 6,000h overhaul intervals. Top speed is slated to be approximately 442kt (M0.78) at 35,000ft (10,700m), only slightly faster than the XLS+, though maximum range at 2,000nm will be nearly 150nm farther than for the XLS+. Similarly, full fuel payload is expected to be up 150lb from the XLS+, to 1,000lb. Like the XLS+, maximum altitude will be 45,000ft. The Latitude will be equipped with a Honeywell auxiliary power unit.
Cessna expects to fly the first prototype in 2014, which will then take part in a US Federal Aviation Administration Part 25 certification program along with the first two production aircraft. Certification and EIS are expected in 2015.
Source: Flight Daily News
