The flight test is in support of Winglet Technology's effort to obtain FAA and EASA supplemental type certificates (STC's) for its Elliptical Winglet. Cessna and Winglet Technology engineers expect higher weight/altitude/temperature limits allowing more flexibility when operating from hot/high airports, improved climb performance that allows higher initial cruise altitudes for some takeoff weights, higher maximum cruise speeds at high altitudes, and longer range for a given payload throughout the operating envelope. Since it is still early in the program, no specific performance details are available. The STC for the Citation X is targeted for the second quarter of 2008.

NBAA show attendees can see the Winglet Technology winglets installed on a Citation X at the show's static aircraft park, and on a model at the Cessna exhibit.

Cessna announced in March it had joined with Wichita-based Winglet Technology to evaluate Citation applications for the Elliptical Winglet. Winglet Technology designs and markets its patented Elliptical Winglets for business jets and transport category aircraft.

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2006, Cessna delivered 1,239 aircraft, including 307 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $4.2 billion and a backlog of $8.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,000 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com.

Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. 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 Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at http://www.textron.com.