Cessna Citation M2 Light Business Jet, United States of America
Key Data
Citation M2 is a new light business jet designed by Cessna. It was unveiled by Cessna in September 2011. The aircraft made its public debut at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) exhibit in Las Vegas in October 2011.
The new aircraft has been under development since 2008. Maiden flight is expected to be held during the first half of 2012, with the goal to achieve Federal Aviation Academy (FAA) certification in the first half of 2013.
Cessna plans to begin the production of the aircraft in the third quarter of 2013. The production line will be located either in Wichita or Kansas facility. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2013.
The aircraft is positioned between Citation Mustang and Citation CJ+ business jets and will cost around $4.195m. It is a cheaper and more capable version of CJ+.
Citation M2 design
Citation M2 is designed as a modified version of CJ+ with new interiors and also new engines and avionics. The aircraft will have a height of 4.19m, length of 12.98m and width of 14.3m. The wingspan will be 14.2m.
The airframe is made up of aluminum alloys by both mechanical fasteners and adhesive bonding to join the components. It will have a T-tail and will also have a straight wing provided with LED lighting.
The wing has a monocoque structure with two main spars and one rear sub-spar, which support the main landing gear. The center section has a dip which lets the wing pass under the fuselage vessel that prevents the spars from intruding into the passenger cabin.
Each of the two fuel tanks in the aircraft has six capacitance fuel probes. The fuel can be refilled through the over-wing ports.
Cabin measurements and space inside the Cessna Citation M2
The cabin of Citation M2 will measure 1.45m high, 47m wide and 4.8m long. It can accommodate two crew members and six passengers.
The cabin will have sufficient space, side rails and upgraded chairs. The foldout worktables in the left and right side will be provided with leather tabletop coverings.
A forward refreshment centre will be provided to store the heated beverage containers, disposable cups, cold beverage cans and an ice drawer.
Avionics
The aircraft will feature a standard avionics system which will include weather radar, TCAS I (transfer collisions avoidance system), TAWS (terrain awareness and warning system) and ADS-B Out (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast).
Cockpit
Citation M2 features a clean cockpit design which is provided with an integrated Garmin G3000 avionics system. The components of the avionics system are integrated into an easily usable flight deck, which simplifies operation and enhances the situational awareness during flights.
The avionics system will be provided with three 14.1 inch LCD displays and two user-friendly infra-red, touch screen control panels. The touch screen control panels provide easier access, a natural flying experience and also require less work from the pilot. The touch screen control panels react due to changes in infrared grid and not due to the traditional surface resistant sensors.
The controller provides a multifunction display navigation along with audio and FMS (flight management system) control. The high resolution MFD (multifunction flight display) will have a split screen which allows two separate vertical pages to be viewed simultaneously. Pilots may view maps, charts, TAWS, flight planning or weather all at the same time.
The primary flight display (PFD) will feature Garmin SVT, a synthetic vision technology which will provide virtual view of runways, terrain, traffic and obstacles.
Intrinzic will provide the aircraft with most intuitive flight deck environment which will be seen for the first time in the Citation M2.
Engines onboard the light business jet
The new Citation M2 will be powered by a pair of FADEC-controlled Williams's International FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan engines.
Each of the engines will generate approximately 1,965 pounds of thrust. The engines have continuous loop fire detection system and two-shot fire extinguishers.
The M2 will have one battery in the nose and another in the tail. The aircraft will also be provided with an emergency battery to power the standby instrument system.
The engine will generate around 15% of additional thrust and will also consume lower amount of fuel. They will provide a longer range cruise which allows the M2 to climb at a faster pace.
The engine will also provide higher performance in hot and high conditions. The TBO (time between overhaul) will increase from 3,500 to 4,000 hours.
Performance of the Cessna Citation M2 light business jet
Cessna Citation M2 can fly at a maximum cruising speed of 400kts. The maximum range will be 1,300nmi. The aircraft can climb to a maximum operating altitude of 41,000ft in 24 minutes. The take-off and landing distances are 3,250ft and 2,590ft respectively.
