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CESSNA CITATION LONGITUDE

CESSNA CITATION LONGITUDE is a super-midsize business jet developed by Cessna Aircraft Company. It is part of the Citation family and represents Cessna’s most advanced offering in the super-midsize jet category, sitting between the Citation Latitude and larger jets like the Citation Sovereign and Citation X. Introduced in 2016, the Citation Longitude is designed for business travelers who require a larger, more comfortable aircraft with long-range capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance.

Key Features of the Cessna Citation Longitude:

  • First Flight: October 8, 2016.
  • Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company.
  • Engine: The Citation Longitude is powered by Honeywell HTF7000L turbofan engines, each producing 7,550 pounds of thrust. These engines are known for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to perform in a variety of operational conditions, providing the Longitude with impressive speed and range.
  • Capacity: Typically seats 8 to 12 passengers, depending on the interior configuration.
  • Cruising Speed: Approximately Mach 0.84 (about 528 mph or 850 km/h).
  • Range: The Citation Longitude offers a long range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), allowing it to fly non-stop on transcontinental routes such as New York to Los Angeles or London to New York.
  • Wingspan: 21.3 meters (69 feet 8 inches).
  • Length: 21.2 meters (69 feet 7 inches).
  • Height: 6.1 meters (20 feet).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 30,850 lbs (14,000 kg).
  • Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).

Design and Performance:

  • Low-Wing Configuration: The Citation Longitude features a low-wing design, which enhances aerodynamics and overall performance, providing smooth and stable flight at high speeds and altitudes. The low-wing configuration also allows for easy access to the aircraft’s spacious cabin.
  • Tricycle Landing Gear: Like most modern Cessna jets, the Longitude is equipped with tricycle landing gear, ensuring good stability during takeoff and landing. The design also makes the aircraft easier to handle during taxiing and ground operations.
  • Cabin Comfort: The Citation Longitude features one of the most spacious cabins in the super-midsize jet class, with stand-up height of 6 feet (1.83 meters). The cabin is designed with high-end luxury in mind, offering comfortable seating, ample room to move around, and the latest amenities, including fully reclining seats, a galley, and a private lavatory.
  • The cabin features large windows, providing excellent natural lighting, and it includes options for customizable interiors with multiple seating arrangements.
  • With the ability to accommodate up to 12 passengers, the Longitude offers a flexible interior layout, making it suitable for business meetings, relaxing, or sleeping during long-haul flights.
  • Advanced Cockpit and Avionics: The Longitude is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, an advanced cockpit system featuring touchscreen controls, a glass cockpit, and improved navigation capabilities. The avionics suite helps improve situational awareness, reduces pilot workload, and enhances the overall flight experience.
  • The Longitude also features autothrottle and fly-by-wire technology for smoother, more efficient control, especially on long-haul flights.

Operational Uses:

The Cessna Citation Longitude is used for a variety of operations, including:

  • Business Aviation: The Longitude is particularly well-suited for corporate clients and business travelers who require a comfortable and efficient aircraft for long regional or transcontinental flights. It’s often used for trips between major business hubs such as New York to London or Los Angeles to Toronto.
  • Private Ownership: Many high-net-worth individuals use the Citation Longitude for personal travel. Its ability to accommodate several passengers comfortably, combined with its long-range and speed, makes it ideal for family vacations or personal business travel.
  • Charter Services: The Longitude is also popular with charter operators due to its efficiency, spacious cabin, and versatility. It offers a premium travel experience for business professionals and individuals seeking a high-end flying experience.
  • Regional and Transcontinental Travel: With its range of 3,500 nautical miles, the Longitude is capable of flying long routes without the need for frequent refueling stops, making it ideal for both regional and international travel.

Legacy and Popularity:

Since its launch, the Cessna Citation Longitude has become a standout in the super-midsize jet category, offering excellent range, speed, and cabin comfort for business and private aviation. Its spacious cabin, advanced technology, and performance capabilities have made it a top choice for both corporations and private owners looking for an aircraft that balances luxury and practicality.

The Longitude continues to compete against other super-midsize jets like the Gulfstream G280 and Bombardier Challenger 350, and it has proven to be a reliable and versatile option for long-range business aviation. It is particularly appealing to those who require a comfortable, efficient aircraft for medium and long-haul trips, without stepping up to larger, more expensive jets like the Citation Sovereign or Citation X+.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Spacious Cabin: The Citation Longitude offers one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins in the super-midsize category, making it ideal for long-haul flights where comfort is paramount.
  • Performance and Range: The Longitude’s ability to fly 3,500 nautical miles non-stop gives it a significant edge in the super-midsize category, providing the capability to cover transcontinental routes efficiently.
  • Efficiency: The Longitude’s fuel-efficient PW306D1 engines and aerodynamic design allow it to deliver good fuel economy and lower operating costs, which is a key consideration for business aviation.
  • Advanced Technology: The Garmin G5000 avionics suite and fly-by-wire technology set the Longitude apart from its competitors, providing the latest in cockpit technology and ease of operation.

Conclusion:

The Cessna Citation Longitude is one of the most advanced and versatile jets in the super-midsize business jet category. With its exceptional performance, luxurious and spacious cabin, and cutting-edge avionics, the Longitude offers an outstanding flying experience for business owners, private travelers, and charter operators alike. Whether for long regional flights or international travel, the Longitude provides comfort, speed, and reliability at a level that has made it one of Cessna’s premier offerings in the Citation family. It continues to be a top choice for those seeking a capable, cost-effective jet for business aviation.