Wichita, KS - March 24, 2005 - Cessna commenced engine testing and slow speed taxi evaluations on the Citation Mustang prototype on Tuesday, March 22, 2005. This is one of the remaining system tests to be completed before the first flight, which is scheduled for this summer. Cessna installed the Citation Mustang's engines and FADECs to the prototype airframe in February 2005.
Cessna has already accumulated over 210 hours of flight time on its engine test bed since April 2004. Flight-testing on the Citation Mustang's Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW615F engine continues on Cessna's engine test bed as well as on P&WC's flying test bed in Canada. In addition to being the first 600 series engine P&WC ever delivered to any manufacturer, the PW615F also marks the first time a P&WC engine flew on an aircraft manufacturer's engine test bed prior to being flown on P&WC's Boeing 720 engine test bed.
The engines are flat rated at 1,350 pounds of takeoff thrust at sea level to ISA +10°C. Each engine is controlled by a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). Engine certification is anticipated by fourth quarter of 2005.
The Citation Mustang is Cessna's newest entry-level business jet, and will offer customers the same quality, safety, value and support that have been the foundation of the Citation program for over 30 years. It will be certified as a FAR Part 23 aircraft, with a cruise speed of 340 knots, and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. Cessna has received firm orders for over 230 Citation Mustangs.
Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. Textron is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com. For additional information or questions about the general aviation industry, contact the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) at 202-393-1500 or www.GAMA.aero.