2002 Citation X Makes EBACE Debut

The 2002 Cessna Citation X on display at EBACE is a considerably better aircraft than the original 1996 model. Starting at serial number 750-0173, Citation X has 400 pounds more tanks-full payload, five percent more take off thrust, shorter take off distances, better climb performance and nicer handling qualities, while giving up none of its legendary 500 kt cruise speed. Most popular options now are standard, thereby eliminating the temptation to gain excess weight during completion. As a result, a typically equipped 2002 Citation X, such as N174CX in the static display at Geneva, can fly 3,077-nmi with NBAA IFR reserves with six to seven passengers aboard.

During a demonstration flight two weeks ago, we loaded the aircraft with full fuel and one passenger for a 35,000 pounds take off weight, 97 percent of maximum. Our computed FAR Part 25 take off field length was 5,280 feet, compared to 5,563 feet for the older model. The initial take off acceleration was more impressive, now that Citation X has a slightly better thrust-to-weight ratio than a Gulfstream IV-SP. After take off, we climbed directly to FL 430 in 26 minutes and then cruised at 503 to 505 KTAS while the aircraft burned 1,980 pph, slightly better than advertised book performance. During the second leg, ATC capped our climb at FL 330, so we just left the thrust levers in the max cruise detent and watched the speed climb as high as Mach .91 and 530 KTAS. But fuel consumption was 50 percent higher at FL 330 than at FL 430. Flying at optimum cruise altitudes between FL 410 and FL 470, though, drops fuel flows to as low as 1,600 pph with cruise speeds close to 490 KTAS.

Citation X isn't as easy to hand fly as previous Citations because of its speed. However, its Honeywell Primus 2000 digital flight guidance system, including full-feature FMS with performance computing, enables pilots to fly it with virtually the same precision and workload of a large-cabin business jet.

With newly revised aileron gearing, the 2002 Citation X has crisper handling and a softer roll feel. This makes it easier to fly during landing approaches with crosswinds and during one-engine-inoperative conditions. But, engine response is sensitive during approach. Small throttle movements produce relatively large thrust changes. And after touchdown, it's important to fly the nose wheel down to the runway, considering the nose-up pitching moment caused by ground spoiler deployment.

The new Citation X is easier to stop on wet runways. The thrust reversers now deploy in one second, not three, and the geometry of the buckets has been modified to reduce pitch up. Cessna revised the one-engine-inoperative stopping procedures, earning credit for use of a single thrust reverser. Stopping distances, particularly during rejected take off on a wet runway, are considerably shorter.

Standard equipment now includes TCAS II, Enhanced GPWS, angle of attack indicator and indexer, plus pulse and logo lights, 76-cubic-feet oxygen bottle, CVR, and AFIS. When loaded with virtually every possible option, including Satcom, additional 49-cubic-feet oxygen bottle, FDR and cabin entertainment system, the Citation X still can carry six passengers with full fuel.

By Fred George