Cessna's Citation Sovereign midsize jet is performing "remarkably"
and returning figures that are better than expected in a number
of areas, the company reports.
Test data from the certification flight test program that is due
to be concluded before year's end has revealed improvements in
speed, time-to-climb and range. Maximum operating speed is up
by Mach 0.02 to Mach 0.80, and cruise speeds between FL 350 and
FL 450 are increased by between 10 kt and 18 kt. Maximum range,
originally predicted at 2,820 nmi, has been revised to 3,040 nmi.
In addition, Sovereign operators will be able to climb faster
by one to three minutes, depending on target altitude. The Sovereign
continues to impress with its runway performance, Cessna notes.
Its ability to operate at MTOW from runways of less than 3,800
feet will enable the Sovereign to use many more airports than
other aircraft in the traditional midsize market, the company
claims.
Cessna holds orders for about 100 Sovereigns. Following FAA certification
later this year, deliveries are slated to begin in early 2004.
