WICHITA — The first production unit of Cessna’s new Citation M2 has reached the milestone of wing and fuselage mating. Certification is expected in the second half of 2013.
“The M2 program is progressing well, and we are all looking forward to advancing to the certification process and starting customer deliveries,” said Dick Friesen, Cessna value stream manager for the Mustang and M2 in Independence, Kansas. “This is the moment when we can see an aircraft take shape, and we hope it is equally exciting for our customers who want to start flying their M2.”
Wing mating is a critical juncture in the production process as it allows the team to start the engine installation phase, officials noted. Wing mating also prepares the aircraft for the beginning of functional testing of the aircraft systems including avionics, hydraulics and flight controls.
Equipped with Williams International engines, the M2 has a maximum cruising speed of 400 ktas. Requiring 3,250 feet for takeoff and landing, the M2 allows access to some of the world’s premier destinations where many other business aircraft are unable to venture, officials said.
The M2 features Cessna’s proprietary Intrinzic Flight Deck powered by Garmin G3000 avionics.
The ergonomically designed passenger cabin is equipped for seven passengers and boasts a 1,300 nm flight range. The M2 is expected to be certified for a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet.
For more information: Cessna.com