CESSNA CITATION FAMILY TYPE RATING is a series of business jets produced by Cessna Aircraft Company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft. The Citation family has become one of the most popular and successful lines of business jets, known for their performance, reliability, and affordability. The family includes various models, ranging from light jets to large business jets, catering to different needs, from short regional flights to long-haul transcontinental journeys.
Here is an overview of the Cessna Citation family:
1. Cessna Citation I
- First Flight: 1971
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 4-6 passengers.
- Range: 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km).
- Cruising Speed: 380 knots (437 mph or 703 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation I was the first jet in the Citation family and one of the first light business jets to be certified. It was designed to be an affordable option for business aviation and was popular with corporate owners and charter companies.
2. Cessna Citation II
- First Flight: 1977
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 6-8 passengers.
- Range: 1,500 nautical miles (2,780 km).
- Cruising Speed: 380 knots (437 mph or 703 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation II was an improved version of the Citation I, offering more room, better performance, and enhanced avionics. It became one of Cessna’s best-selling aircraft for regional and corporate travel.
3. Cessna Citation III
- First Flight: 1982
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 7-9 passengers.
- Range: 2,100 nautical miles (3,890 km).
- Cruising Speed: 450 knots (518 mph or 833 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation III was a step up in size and performance, offering a larger cabin, better range, and higher speed. It introduced mid-sized jet performance and was used primarily for longer regional flights and corporate use.
4. Cessna Citation V
- First Flight: 1988
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 6-8 passengers.
- Range: 1,800 nautical miles (3,335 km).
- Cruising Speed: 420 knots (483 mph or 778 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation V improved on the Citation III’s capabilities, with a better range and cabin comfort. It was one of the early models in the Cessna Citation family designed for long-range, high-performance business jet flights.
5. Cessna Citation X
- First Flight: 1996
- Engine: Two Rolls-Royce AE3007 turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 8-12 passengers.
- Range: 3,460 nautical miles (6,400 km).
- Cruising Speed: Mach 0.92 (705 mph or 1,134 km/h), the fastest of the Citation family at the time.
- Legacy: The Citation X was the fastest civilian aircraft in the world upon its release, and it held that title until the Gulfstream G650 entered the market. It set new standards for speed, range, and efficiency in the super-midsize jet category.
6. Cessna Citation Encore
- First Flight: 1999
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535B turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 7-9 passengers.
- Range: 1,850 nautical miles (3,430 km).
- Cruising Speed: 430 knots (494 mph or 796 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation Encore was an upgraded version of the Citation II, offering a more efficient engine, better range, and improved cabin. It became very popular as a super-midsize jet for business use.
7. Cessna Citation Latitude
- First Flight: 2014
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 7-9 passengers.
- Range: 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km).
- Cruising Speed: 440 knots (506 mph or 814 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation Latitude was introduced as a mid-size jet with a focus on luxury and efficiency. It features a spacious cabin, stand-up height, and advanced avionics. It’s a popular choice for corporate fleets and private owners looking for a cost-effective, versatile jet with excellent performance.
8. Cessna Citation Longitude
- First Flight: 2016
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 8-12 passengers.
- Range: 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km).
- Cruising Speed: 450 knots (518 mph or 833 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation Longitude is a large, long-range business jet that offers exceptional comfort and performance. Its range allows it to fly transcontinental routes such as New York to London, and it features a spacious cabin with modern avionics and luxurious amenities. The Longitude is one of Cessna’s flagship models in the super-midsize jet category.
9. Cessna Citation M2
- First Flight: 2011
- Engine: Two Williams FJ44-1AP turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 5-7 passengers.
- Range: 1,300 nautical miles (2,410 km).
- Cruising Speed: 400 knots (460 mph or 740 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation M2 is a light jet designed to provide excellent performance, efficiency, and comfort in a smaller, more affordable package. It is ideal for short regional flights and offers impressive fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to larger jets.
10. Cessna Citation Sovereign
- First Flight: 2002
- Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 8-12 passengers.
- Range: 3,200 nautical miles (5,930 km).
- Cruising Speed: 460 knots (530 mph or 852 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation Sovereign is a larger super-midsize business jet that offers more space, better range, and higher performance than smaller models like the Citation XLS. It has a spacious cabin with stand-up headroom, making it popular for longer trips.
11. Cessna Citation Mustang
- First Flight: 2005
- Engine: Two Williams FJ44-1A turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 4 passengers.
- Range: 1,200 nautical miles (2,220 km).
- Cruising Speed: 340 knots (391 mph or 629 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation Mustang is a light jet designed for entry-level business aviation. It is known for its compact size, efficient performance, and lower operating costs, making it a popular choice for small businesses or individuals looking for an affordable way to travel in a jet.
12. Cessna Citation X+
- First Flight: 2014
- Engine: Two Rolls-Royce AE3007C2 turbofan engines.
- Capacity: 8-12 passengers.
- Range: 3,460 nautical miles (6,400 km).
- Cruising Speed: Mach 0.935 (700 mph or 1,126 km/h).
- Legacy: The Citation X+ is an upgraded version of the Citation X, retaining its title as one of the fastest civilian aircraft in the world, capable of speeds approaching Mach 1. It also offers improved fuel efficiency, modern avionics, and a comfortable, quiet cabin.
Conclusion:
The Cessna Citation family has become one of the most successful lines of business jets, offering a wide range of aircraft to suit various needs, from light jets to larger, longer-range aircraft. With models that span from entry-level jets like the Citation Mustang to long-range, high-performance jets like the Citation Longitude and Citation X+, the Citation series has something for everyone in business aviation. Cessna has built a reputation for creating reliable, efficient, and cost-effective aircraft, and the Citation family remains a leading choice in the general aviation market.