Cessna’s new and improved Citation Sovereign moved a step closer toward certification on Tuesday as the first jet rolled off the production line in Wichita, Kansas.
The improved Citation Sovereign, announced at the NBAA Convention last fall, is poised for certification and entry into service in the third quarter. It will bring a number of performance enhancements to the design that first received FAA approval in June 2004.
Thanks to more powerful Pratt & Whitney PW306D turbofan engines and the addition of winglets, the new Citation Sovereign boasts an increased range of 3,000 nm and the ability to climb directly to 45,000 feet. The cockpit and cabin have been upgraded as well, adding new capabilities via the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and an improved cabin management system and enhanced cabin cooling.
According to Cessna, the jet will be available in both passenger-carrying configurations as well as utility versions.
