Textron Aviation has completed the first flight of its third aircraft as part of the ongoing Cessna Citation Longitude flight test programme.

During the 1h and 40min flight, controlled by test pilots Corey Eckhart and UJ Pesonen, as well as flight test engineer Mike Bradfield, various systems of the aircraft were tested.

The super-midsize business jet will continue to be used in the flight test programme for avionics and systems development, as well as collecting flight simulator data.

Last October, Textron flew its first Longitude aircraft under the ongoing flight test programme with certification expected by the end of this year.

Textron Aviation engineering senior vice-president Brad Thress said: “The speed at which our team is achieving these milestones is an important indication to our customers of the maturity of the aircraft’s systems and the proficiency of our processes.

"The team is dedicated to getting this world-class aircraft in the hands of our customers.”

“We continue to build momentum in the programme, and the team is dedicated to getting this world-class aircraft in the hands of our customers.”

Designed to accommodate up to 12 passengers, the Longitude aircraft features a stand-up, flat-floor cabin with a standard double-club configuration and an in-flight walk-in baggage compartment.

Textron has also started assembly line flow at its East Campus Plant IV manufacturing facility in the US.

The facility is currently building the first four Longitude aircraft, which will feature the same tooling and manufacturing techniques that have been applied on the Longitude flight test vehicles.

Image: Textron Aviation’s third Citation Longitude takes flight. Photo: courtesy of Textron Aviation.