Citation X Grows Winglets

Friday, September 10, 2010 at 11:57 PM ET

Verified

Cessna Citation X equipped with
Winglet Technologies winglets as
an aftermarket STC modification
installed by Cessna. Cessna

Key Takeaways:

The Cessna Citation X is uniquely designed for extreme speed (Mach .92), making it the fastest civilian jet, though its top speeds inherently impact range and fuel efficiency.
Winglets are a key upgrade for the Citation X, enhancing its performance by improving climb rates, extending range by hundreds of miles, and boosting fuel efficiency (approx. 5%) without sacrificing its signature high speed or flying characteristics.
Beyond fuel savings and range, the winglets also allow for greater payload capacity or operations from high-elevation/hot airports, making the aircraft more versatile.
The $593,000 winglet conversion adds approximately 150 pounds but is considered a sound investment, expected to be fully recovered through fuel savings and increased resale value.

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In many ways the Cessna Citation X is an extreme airplane. Its radically swept wing, huge wing-to-fuselage fairing and enormous vertical fin are unique in the business jet world. The X looks like it does because that’s what it took to reach the goal of being the fastest civilian airplane now in service.

With its limit speed of Mach .92 the X can cruise up to about 528 knots true airspeed. A more typical fast jet cruise speed is around Mach .82, which equals about 470 knots. And lots of jets, particularly the extremely popular Boeing 737, cruise well under Mach .80, which is 459 knots. The Citation X does stand out.