Cessna Citation M2 Makes First Flight

Bethany Whitfield

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 08:31 PM ET

Verified

** Cessna CEO Scott Ernest congratulates
test pilot Pete Fisher after the first flight of
the Citation M2 prototype.**

Key Takeaways:

The Cessna Citation M2 successfully completed its maiden flight, with test pilots reporting "exceptional" performance and handling during preliminary tests of its systems and Garmin G3000 avionics.
The new bizjet, based on the CJ line, boasts a projected range of 1,300 nautical miles and a top cruise speed of 400 knots, powered by two Williams International FJ44 engines.
The M2 program is progressing rapidly, aiming for FAA certification in the first half of 2013 with deliveries to follow later that year, targeting Mustang owners looking for a next-tier aircraft.

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One of Cessna’s newest bizjets, the Citation M2, took to the skies on Friday for its maiden flight, remaining airborne for approximately an hour and half as the prototype’s crew conducted the first round of preliminary tests of the aircraft’s Garmin G3000 avionics suite, autopilot and engines.

During the flight, which also included tests of other aircraft systems as well as instrument approaches, Cessna test pilot Peter Fisher said the M2’s performance and handling was “exceptional.”