Company's New Entry-Level Jet Marks Successful First Flight
Wichita, KS - April 26, 2005 - Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) has announced the successful first flight of its Citation Mustang - the company's newest entry-level business jet; marking a major milestone for the aircraft as Cessna makes the dream of personal jet ownership more affordable and attainable.
Priced at $2.4 million, the Mustang offers exceptional performance backed by the same quality, safety and support that have been the foundation of the Citation program for more than 30 years. Originally launched at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in 2002, there are currently more than 200 orders for the aircraft, with first delivery anticipated in late 2006.
"Once again, Cessna ingenuity and innovation is changing the face of the industry," said Textron Chairman, President and CEO, Lewis B. Campbell. "At a price point nearly half the lowest-priced business jet on the market today, the Mustang opens up the possibility of jet ownership for an entirely new range of customers - and all without compromising the high-end performance and features Cessna's become known for."
"When we initially entered the business jet arena, we expanded the market by providing customers with an entry-level jet that was quieter, simpler, safer and less expensive than any other business jet available at that time," said Jack J. Pelton, Cessna's Chairman, President and CEO. "The Citation Mustang builds upon this legacy and fills a void in the turbine aircraft market by offering customers a cabin-class, single pilot business jet aircraft with impressive performance at a fraction of the cost."
"We're very pleased with the results of the Mustang's first flight," added Pelton. "The testing went just as we'd planned and the Mustang program is right on track."
Piloted by Scotty Jergenson and Dave Bonifield, the Citation Mustang prototype departed from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, at 10:26 a.m. (CDT) on April 23rd. The 141-minute flight began with a climb to 11,000 feet where various stability and control tests were performed, including cycling of the landing gear, flaps, and speed brakes. The first flight concluded at 12:47 p.m. (CDT) when the Citation Mustang landed at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport.
The Citation Mustang is currently being assembled at Cessna's Wichita facility. However, the Citation Mustang is the first Citation that will be built at Cessna's Independence, Kansas, facility. Cessna will begin locating Citation Mustang tooling at its Independence facility this summer, and will move full production to Independence in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The Citation Mustang will be certified as a FAR Part 23 aircraft, with an anticipated cruise speed of 340 knots, and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. The two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F dual-channel FADEC engines each provide 1,350 lbs of thrust flat rated to ISA+10°C. The fully integrated, all-glass Garmin International G1000 avionics suite features three glass displays - two 10-inch PFDs and one 15-inch MFD at the heart of the panel.
Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron. Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com or 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.