Cessna Citation XLS Gen2

In designing the Citation CJ3+, Textron has not sought to reinvent the wheel. In many ways, it is an extension of the Citation M2, offering the ability to fly two more people higher, farther and faster without sacrificing any of the impressive take-off and landing distance performance. While the performance envelope has been subtly grown from the M2 Gen2, the CJ3+ has a noticeable change in its external appearance. Its lines are longer, accentuated by seven windows along its fuselage rather than four. Dimensionally at 15.59m, the CJ3+ is more than two metres longer. Another differentiating feature from its smaller sibling is the absence of any winglets, with the wing tapering to a flush tip. Common are the attractive T-tail with its swept fin, aft-mounted engines and the relatively straight wing, almost a trademark for this chapter of the Citation range. In keeping with the Citation range, the fold-down air-stair is located aft of the cockpit and ahead of the left wing and features a double-seal door. Moving forward, the nose compartment is accessible from both sides, through two top-hinged locker doors. On the aft wall, the panel has a series of windows for the easy inspection of gauges relaying the status and quantities of various systems such as oxygen, landing gear and brakes. Externally, the nose section is host to an array of aerials and sensors, including one for the Angle-of-Attack and a conventional nose wheel. The wing span of the CJ3+ is 16.26m with the leading edges heated for anti-icing and a small ‘aileron fence’ rises from the upper surface, just inboard of the ailerons. With filler caps on the outboard section, each wing houses a single fuel tank for a total useable capacity of 2,661 litres. By virtue of the wing design, the CJ3+ has retained almost identical take-off and landing performance to the M2 Gen2 allowing it to take-off in under 1,000m and land in less than 800m. However, at 33 000 feet the ceiling of the CJ3+ cruises 4,000 feet higher and the aircraft is faster with a maximum speed cruise speed of 416 knots true airspeed. Inboard of mid-span, on the upper and lower surface are speed brake panels. The top panel is solid, while the lower panel is perforated and the speed brake can be deployed in flight, on the ground or in association with selecting ‘ground flap’. The flaps are traditional Fowler flaps on the wings’ trailing edge and can be selected to 15 degrees for take-off, or 35 degrees for landing. Ground flap extends the flaps to 55 degrees, rather than the M2 Gen2’s 60 degrees and in association with speed brake deployment on landing, contribute to the impressive landing performance. While the primary flight controls are mechanical, the gear, flaps and speed brakes are hydraulically-actuated. Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 M2 Gen2 Cabin M2 Gen2 Cabin M2 Gen2 jump seat M2 Gen2 jump seat 96 97 African Pilot March 2023 March 2023 African Pilot 97 Where the wings meet the fuselage, the modern Citations have a ‘large airplane’ look, while serving a somewhat concealed purpose. The faired section provides a straightforward path for systems, cables and hoses to run along the aircraft without interfering with the pressure cell that constitutes the cabin. Also, this design allows a shallow drop in the centre wing section that permits attachment of the wings to the fuselage without interruption of the cabin’s cross-section and even allows a slightly lowered aisle for added headroom. The main landing gear has a trailing arm linkage, which makes for flattering touchdowns for pilots and comfort for the passengers in the cabin. Hydraulically-operated in normal operations, the gear can be allowed to free-fall or be ‘blown down’ in an emergency. Brake wear indicators are just as you find on airliners and the cue to replace the brakes is when the protruding inductors sit flush with the rest of the brake assembly. The T-Tail stands tall at 4.62m and two Williams International FJ44-3A engines are mounted on the aft fuselage, with each producing 2,820lb of thrust. The engines incorporate dual channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC) to provide both automation and efficiency in engine management. Mounted behind the passenger cabin these medium- bypass engines minimise cabin noise both through their design and location. The Cessna Citation CJ3+ cargo / luggage space aft maintains sleek lines on the ground. On the inside Generous windows, a slightly sunken aisle, smart selection of décor and a high-class finish give an air of comfort and space. As always, the high-backed leather seats can be configured in a variety of arrangements, including club seating. Along with sizeable fold-out tables and various connectivity options, the cabin makes for an ideal workplace or dining area depending on the task at hand. With full fuel, the CJ3+ has 820lb of payload. A more useful figure is that with a pilot and four passengers it possesses a range of just over 1,800nm, which is again a step up on the M2Gen2’s range. Should the need arise to fill all of the seats and carry eight passengers, the range is 1,356nm. As impressive as the passenger cabin may be, for pilots the cockpit is every bit as luxurious in both appointments and equipment. New avionics lend themselves to offering a flight panel with an uncluttered look and the Garmin G3000 system which hosts three large LCD screens and two small central Garmin Touch Screen Controllers (GTC) is no exception. A clean centre panel with small, sporty thrust levers are in good company with the sporty control yokes. The seats are easily adjustable in all directions and the windscreen affords a sensational view to the front and sides. There is even an additional push-to-talk switch near the outboard arm rest which is very handy. BUSINESS BUSINESS JETS JETS The similarities between the Citation M2 Gen2 and the CJ3+ are undeniable. Single-pilot instrument flight operations are challenging but through design, the CJ3+ offers an aircraft with systems, ergonomics and checklists that offer the pilot every assistance. In doing so, moving onto the Citation CJ3+ is not a giant leap. It is more a case of stepping up. Cessna Citation CJ3 Cessna Citation CJ3 CJ3 Cabin CJ3 Cabin CJ3 Cockpit CJ3 Cockpit 98 99 African Pilot March 2023 March 2023 African Pilot 99 BUSINESS BUSINESS JETS JETS Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2 In February 2021 Textron Aviation certificated the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2. With a range that spans the United States and speed that gets you there fast, the CJ4 Gen2 is considered the flagship of the 525 series. Two FJ44-4A fanjets, each producing 3,621 pounds of thrust propel the jet as high as 45,000 feet and as fast as 451 knots. With a full-fuel payload of 1,122 pounds and a take-off field length of 3,410 feet, it is a highly capable machine. According to Textron Aviation, using long-range cruise power, the CJ4 Gen2 has a range up to 2,140 nm. Exploring the CJ4 Gen2 The CJ4 Gen2 adds a step to the entrance on the bottom and a handrail that folds out from the doorframe. These two additions make it really easy to step into the cabin with the new airstair lights and effect from the logo light that light up the tarmac under the first step. As you enter the cabin you walk into the side-facing seats. The airplane has optional the two-seat couch where the backrests fold down and the backside has a nonslip material and attachment points for a cargo net or straps, allowing the space to be used for additional luggage. However, the aft and forward cargo compartments provide 1,000 pounds between them, with 40 pounds of internal capacity found within the larger closet. Between the entrance and cockpit is the galley, which has a newly designed stone countertop that pulls out to provide more space. There are several cabinets, some of which have drawers and stowaway doors that provide easy access to whatever is stored in the compartments. A small self-serve coffee machine is standard, whilst a high-powered power port that can handle the coffee machine is an option. These can be replaced quickly and cheaply compared with aircraft-compliant coffee systems, which are not only expensive but can also take time to replace. A high-power port is an option, whilst a hot tank is standard. While bleed air provides heat and pressurisation, the air conditioning is an electrically operated vapour-cycle machine. Pilots and passengers who are used to getting cooked on the ground because of insufficient air from an underpowered APU will love plugging into a ground power unit and getting terrific airflow. This Gen2 has two CoolView skylights that provide a pleasant and open feel in that relatively small space. The new optional vanity features stone countertops and several compartments in which to store bathroom necessities. Another useful feature is a handle that folds down from the ceiling for hanging clothes. The lavatory can be serviced from an external port. Walking through the cabin is easy since the seats and armrests can be pushed right against the cabin walls. The completely redesigned seats are extremely comfortable and swivel to provide optimum positioning. Tray tables fold out from the side walls and there are plenty of power ports (USB and universal outlets) in the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 CJ4 Gen2 Cabin CJ4 Gen2 Cabin CJ4 Gen2 Cockpit CJ4 Gen2 Cockpit cabin and cockpit. Textron Aviation has its own interiors manufacturing facility in Wichita, therefore while the CJ4 Gen2’s seats and six colour schemes likely serve most customers’ wants and needs, modifications are possible. 100 101 African Pilot March 2023 March 2023 African Pilot 101 The second row of seats slide way back, providing at least a foot of additional space between the knees of passengers in the club seats. The seats also recline completely flat, providing a comfortable place to take a nap. The potential for a good sleep is maximised by the new window shades, which can be operated from switches in the cabin or an app installed on a personal device that also can adjust multiple cabin lights. The lights are dimmable, providing a pleasant ambiance. The shades and lights can also be controlled from a panel in the galley within reach of the pilots. The pleated window shades have two sections: one that provides privacy but allows light to break through and one that provides complete darkness in the cabin. The cockpit Data entry is made through the FMS and multiple control panels can configure the MFDs and PFDs. The FJ44-4A engines are FADEC-controlled, making starts almost as easy as starting a car and engine management as easy as staying in the green. While the CJ4 Gen2 is certified for single-pilot operations, it can also be used for a two-pilot crew, with full control capabilities and access to the most important systems from both sides. Navigation databases are updated through USB ports that are hidden behind a small access door on the panel. The extensive list of features includes TCAS, XM weather, radar, departure and arrival procedures, taxi diagrams with own aircraft position, systems diagrams and much more. Digital ATIS and pre-departure clearance capabilities are also available. Landing elevation is automatically set to schedule the pressurisation system for the destination airport in a flight plan. Like most avionics suites these days, Pro Line 21 offers live traffic and weather, as well as full navigation capabilities including departure and arrival procedures. With proper weight-and-balance data, the system delivers the applicable V-speeds for departure to be entered for display on the PFD. The CJ4 Gen2 has a closed-center hydraulic system, which operates at 3,000 psi versus 1,500 psi in the other CJs. This system enables the modular feature of the speed brakes and allows for the use of multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously. The open center system of the other CJs only allows for one function at a time. The CJ4 was also the first in the 525 series with a single-point refuelling system and an electrically heated windshield, enabled through the aircraft’s electrical system which has two alternators. The main difference is in the wing. All of the other CJs have straight wings of various lengths based on size, but the CJ4 Gen2’s has a 12.5-degree sweep. In fact, the wing design is closer to that of the Citation Sovereign. Boundary-layer energisers at the leading edges help maintain laminar flow over the wing, whilst two stall strips at the wing root help reduce the stall speed by causing the root of the wing stall first. BUSINESS BUSINESS JETS JETS Like the Sovereign, the CJ4 Gen2 has three speed-brake panels on each side. The design team also incorporated other features from the Citation Sovereign’s wing that allow for slower approach speeds. So, even though the CJ4 Gen2 is a larger, heavier airplane, the VREF speeds are comparable to or slower than the other CJs. With the latest upgrades, Textron Aviation has much to be proud of at the top of the CJ series. Citation XLS Gen2 Throughout the past 25 years, more than 1,000 560XL aircraft have been delivered. The type is particularly popular with fractional owners and charter operators, thanks to its combination of performance, comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favourable operating efficiencies. The Citation XLS Gen2 features an ‘elevated ramp presence’ with a new lighted airstair door. A new entry curtain has also been added for inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics in flight. A new pedestal seat design enhances passenger comfort with individual controls, new styling and optional quilting, while the forward couch features an optional fold-down capability, which allows passengers to access more baggage in flight. In addition to these new design elements, Textron’s XLS Gen2 also features an ‘intuitive wireless cabin management system’ that includes a touchscreen moving map monitor, first- in-class wireless smartphone charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat and optional Bongiovi Immersive speaker-less sound system. In a hotly contested private aviation market, the brand-new Textron Aviation models aim to elevate all the features across the company’s entry-level light jet and mid-size business jet in order to extend its status as an industry leader. The 560XL series is the best-selling mid- size business jet family of the 21st century and the customer-influenced updates Cessna has made will ensure the next generation retains that title. Like its predecessors, the XLS Gen2 hits the sweet spot of offering the features, amenities and comfort of a mid-size jet, but with lower operating costs. Hitting this ‘sweet spot’ with the new-generation model should not be an issue given that more than 1,000 560XLs have been delivered throughout the past 25 years. The XLS Gen2 looks set to continue this tradition through innovation and engineering advancements, allowing for a maximum range of 3,889 kilometres (2,100 nautical miles) and a maximum passenger occupancy of 12 persons. 102 103 African Pilot March 2023 March 2023 African Pilot 103 BUSINESS BUSINESS JETS JETS Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 XLS Gen2 cabin XLS Gen2 cabin XLS Gen2 Gally with cockpit XLS Gen2 Gally with cockpit Cessna Citation Latitude The bestselling Cessna Citation Latitude jet features one of the most spacious, most refined cabin environments in the midsize business jet category. At 77 inches, wide, six feet tall and more than 18 feet long with a flat floor, stand up cabin, the Latitude was built for comfort. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 FADEC-controlled turbofan engines deliver the Latitude’s impressive performance. The flight deck powered by Garmin G5000™ revolutionises the way pilots access flight data. With just a few flicks of the finger, pilots can take command of the aircraft’s robust navigation, traffic, surveillance and communications systems. In addition, the integrated flight management system provides extensive navigation and flight-planning as well as en route, take-off and landing performance information. Pilots have three 14-inch landscape flight displays, which can function independently as a primary flight display or multifunction display. The displays also function in multi-pane mode, the centre pedestal for PFD control and two additional panels control each MFD. Pilots can customise displays via the touch screen control panels, organising and prioritising the flight data presented. The Garmin™ Synthetic Vision Technology™ (SVT) system offers a virtual-reality view of terrain, obstacles, traffic and runways-everything beyond the widescreen. Using the terrain- altering database, pilots get a realistic picture of what lies beyond the nose of the Citation Latitude. Garmin SVT enhances pilots’ situational awareness by creating a virtual depiction of ground and water features, obstacles and traffic, even in a solid IFR or night-time Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. Cessna Citation Latitude Cessna Citation Latitude VIEW GALLERY 104 105 African Pilot March 2023 March 2023 African Pilot 105 BUSINESS BUSINESS JETS JETS Cessna Citation Longitude The Cessna Citation Longitude is Textron Aviation’s entry into the super-mid-size business jet category with a 3,500-nm range, a mach .84 maximum cruising speed and a maximum cruise altitude of 45,000 feet. This jet sets a new standard in private business travel for cabin efficiency, technology, luxury and comfort. Announced in May 2015, with a fuselage cross- section (77-inch interior width), the same as the Cessna Citation Latitude, Textron Aviation announced first delivery in October 2019. The aircraft has a T-tail empennage, area-rule fuselage contouring and 28.6° wing sweep. The engines are the new Honeywell HTF7700L turbofans, each outputting 7,665 lbs of thrust at sea level. The aluminium wings incorporate composite winglets. The comfortable, bespoke interior of the Longitude has class-leading legroom, cabin sound levels that are nearly twice as quiet as the nearest competitor, a low cabin altitude of 4,590 feet at flight level 410 and more standard features than all other competitors in its segment. The Citation Longitude’s all-glass, state-of-the-art flight deck provides the most intuitive pilot interface ever seen in this class of avionics, the Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck system combines four digital touch-screen controllers and three multi-pane, widescreen displays enhanced with Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT). Garmin’s SVT shows the pilot 3-D virtual representation of terrain, obstacles and traffic equally well in instrument or visual flight conditions. Critical flight data is displayed in a widescreen view for accurate, easy monitoring and fast troubleshooting. Operating the Longitude has been simplified with intuitive, full-colour, touch-screen LCD control panels serve as the pilot’s primary user interface. Pilots are presented with triple 14-inch landscape WXGA high-resolution displays. Each all-purpose display can function independently as a primary flight display (PFD) or multifunction display (MFD). Two of the four control panels are installed on the centre pedestal for MFD control and two additional panels control each PFD. Pilots can customise displays via the touch-screen control panels, organising and prioritising data as preferred. Garmin’s Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) offers a virtual-reality view of water and land surfaces, obstacles, traffic and runways. Using the system’s terrain-alerting database, SVT enhances pilots’ situational awareness by creating a dimensional rendering of terrain features, obstacles and traffic in proximity to the aircraft. Pilots get a realistic picture of everything beyond the windscreen. On the secondary display, MFD capabilities can be divided into two vertical pages. This allows logical pairing of whatever information is needed during any point in the flight sequence. Examples of this include displaying airway charts and approach plates or satellite weather and flight planning simultaneously. Cessna Citation Longitude Cessna Citation Longitude longtitude cabin longtitude cabin Longtitude cockpit Longtitude cockpit Contact Absolute Aviation Tel: 011 548 3000 E-mail: sales@absolute.co.za www.absolute.co.za