The first production New Citation Sovereign rolled off the production line in Cessna’s Wichita, Kan., manufacturing facility. The New Citation Sovereign is one of six new Cessna aircraft expected to hit the market this year.
“This rollout today is proof of Cessna’s commitment to bringing new products to customers in 2013, and demonstrates our strong investment in the future,” said Kelly Reich, business leader for the New Citation Sovereign.
The aircraft was announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) trade show in Orlando five months ago.
“It’s a short turn-around from just announcing this program last fall, to already having an aircraft rolling out the door and headed to the next stages of completion,” Reich said.
The newest Citation will have a range of 3,000 nm (3,452 statute miles). It features improved cabin cooling, Garmin G5000 avionics with auto throttles, and a new cabin management system. Winglets have been added to the New Sovereign, contributing to the increase range and enabling a direct climb to 45,000 feet.
The Citation Sovereign has been in service since 2004. It features one of the longest cabins for its class, has a typical seating configuration for nine passengers and is well known for being able to operate into and out of short runways. Type certification and entry into service for the New Citation Sovereign is slated for the third quarter.
For more information: Cessna.com