Cessna acquired certain assets of the former Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Company in December 2007 and rebranded the products as the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400. The aircraft complement Cessna’s other products, filling the niche between the Cessna 206 Stationair and the Citation Mustang entry-level jet.

The Cessna 350 and 400 are on static display at Mineta San Jose International Airport, and a 400 mock-up is in the company’s exhibit at San Jose McEnery Convention Center as part of the AOPA Expo 2008 Nov. 6-8.

Since Cessna took over the Bend, Ore., production facility, the plant has implemented the Textron Production System, improving workplace safety, productivity and customer satisfaction while maintaining the quality and reliability for which the 350 and 400 are known. In early October, employees delivered the 100th 350/400 aircraft under the Cessna brand.

In addition to production, Cessna has also integrated sales and customer support of the 350/400 with Cessna Parts Distribution and the Cessna network of authorized dealers and service centers. The aircraft are sold through Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representatives (CSTAR).

Now through the end of the year, Cessna is offering free Synthetic Vision Technology on select 350 and 400 models scheduled for delivery in 2008.

At a maximum cruise speed of 235 knots, the Cessna 400 is the fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft on the market. Both the 350 and 400 have dual carbon fiber reinforced wing spars, dual horizontal stabilizer attach-points and multiple hinge points for all control surfaces. The airframes, including the control surfaces, are constructed entirely of fiberglass and carbon fiber, with the landing gear and engine mount being the only primary structures made of steel. The design strength of these two models is demonstrated by their certification in the Utility Category under FAR Part 23, Amendment 46. The Cessna 350 is classified as spin resistant and the 400 as spin recoverable.

Equipped with a 310-horsepower Teledyne Continental TCM IO-550N, the Cessna 350 has a certified ceiling of 18,000 feet and a maximum cruise speed of 190 knots. The twin turbocharger equipped, intercooled TCM TSIO-550C installed in the Cessna 400 enables it to cruise as high as 25,000 feet while its pilot and passengers enjoy the convenience of the 400’s standard 4-place, built-in oxygen system.

Like all current Cessna single-engine piston products, the Caravan and the Citation Mustang, the 350 and 400 are equipped with the integrated Garmin G1000 avionics and GFC700 flight control systems, and are backed by Cessna’s extensive support network. Advanced features of the 350/400 include speed brakes and many fully redundant systems including dual alternators, dual primary electric power busses and dual batteries. The aircraft also incorporate a G1000 flight management data-entry pad similar to the Citation Mustang. Other unique features include two- and three-axis trim, side-stick controls, digital climate control and remote keyless entry with step lights.

About Cessna Aircraft Company
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a backlog of $15.6 billion as of September 30, 2008. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 191,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 5,400 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.