In February Cessna announced details of its new Model 850 Citation Columbus, the first business jet in the line to have a flat-floor cabin with 6-feet 1-inch stand-up headroom. The Columbus promises 4,000 nm of IFR range flying at Mach .80 (459 knots) while carrying eight passengers. The airplane is an all-new design and will be powered by P&W 810 engines, first in a new family from Pratt. The engine will be rated at 8,830 pounds of thrust and will surpass all standards for emissions and noise.
Cessna began showing a mock-up of its concept for the Columbus more than a year ago, but details were not announced. Now, with the official launch, Cessna says the Columbus will make a first flight in 2011, receive certification in 2013 and enter service in 2014. The price is $27 million in today’s dollars, and Cessna expects to invest $780 million in total development costs.
