Cessna TTx

Cessna TTx is a new single-engine aircraft introduced by the Cessna Aircraft Company in 2013. Designed for a top speed of 235kts (435km/h), Cessna TTx is claimed to be the fastest commercially-produced and certified fixed-gear single-engine aircraft in the world. The operating altitude of the aircraft is up to 25,000ft.

The single-engine composite aircraft, manufactured at Cessna’s Independence facility in Kansas, successfully completed its first flight in March 2013. The aircraft features advanced avionics system and superior interiors. The high-performance aircraft received international certification in July 2013.

The TTx was showcased to the European market at Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation trade show in Germany in April 2013. The aircraft subsequently made its debut at Latin America Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August 2013.

The aircraft received type certification from Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil in December 2013.

Cessna TTx orders and deliveries

Deliveries of Cessna TTx started in the last week of June 2013. The first international delivery was made in September 2013 to Kiattana Transport, Thailand.

Design and development of Cessna TTx

Cessna TTx represents design advancements over its predecessor model Cessna 400 Corvalis which was re-designated as Corvalis TT and Corvallis TTx in 2009 and 2011 respectively.

Cessna announced the production of the new TTx aircraft with technologically advanced cockpit design and more luxurious interior was announced in April 2012 at the Sun ‘n Fun air show in Lakeland, Florida. The aircraft made 275 flights and logged 339 hours in air during the development process.

The aircraft is 7.68m long and 2.74m high, with a wingspan of 10.97m. The cabin measures 1.24m in height, 1.22m in width and 3.55m in length.

The maximum take off weight of the aircraft is 3,600lb (1,633kg). The usable fuel capacity is 612lb (278kg).

Cessna TTx wears a bold look featuring unique colour palettes in three exterior paint schemes. The single engine aircraft has been designed to give a jet like flying experience to the pilot. It offers seating capacity for four passengers. The passenger cabin features stitched leather seats and seat belt airbags. The seats are fitted with a three-point harness.

Cessna TTx flight deck and avionics

The aircraft features Cessna’s Intrinzic™ flight deck which incorporates an integrated cock pit design for safe, simple and intuitive flight. The flight deck is equipped with Garmin G2000 avionics system and Garmin Electronic Stability Protection (ESP) system. It also features an optional flight into known icing (FIKI) system which permits to plan flights in different weather conditions.

The avionic suite features dual 14.1in high definition displays and touch screen controls. The touch screen G2000 system compliments the pilot’s knowledge and skill. The avionics components include a GDU 1040A pilot primary flight display (PFD), a GDU 1040A multifunction display (MFD) and a GDC 74A dual air data computer (ADC).

The flight data and communications are quickly accessed through the GTC 570 touch-screen controller. The engine indication system, including the manifold pressure, propeller speed and oil pressure indicators, are displayed on the MFD.

The pilots achieve complete command over manoeuvring and handling the aircraft with the avionics system integrated with Cessna’s DirectControl technology.

Another notable avionics feature of the TTx is the use of electronic stability and protection system (ESP), a monitoring-cum-correcting technology for maintaining the safety and flight-stable condition of the aircraft. The ESP works independent of the auto pilot and the technology functions especially in circumstances when the aircraft exceeds the recommended limits in speed, pith and roll.

Engine details and performance of the TTx personal transport aircraft

Cessna TTx uses a TSIO-550-C engine, manufactured by Continental Motors. It is a six-cylinder, fuel-injected, twin-turbocharged engine with dual inter coolers. The power output of the engine is 310HP. The aircraft uses a three-blade, constant speed propeller manufactured by McCauley.

Cessna TTx has a range of 1,250 nautical miles (2,315km). Its maximum cruise speed is 235kts (270mi/h). The take off distance is 1,900ft (579m) and the landing distance is 2,640ft (805m). The maximum climb rate is 1,400fpm. The stall speed of the aircraft is 111km/h.

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