Cessna Longitude

The Cessna Citation Longitude is a super-midsize jet, marking a significant step in aviation. Designed for both business and personal use, its emphasis is on comfort, reliability, and performance.

Development History

Textron Aviation, the parent company of Cessna, introduced the Longitude in 2012 at the National Business Aviation Association’s convention. This aircraft fills the gap between the Citation Latitude and the Citation Hemisphere. The development included extensive customer feedback and leveraged advanced technologies.

Specifications

• Height: 19 ft
• Length: 73 ft
• Wingspan: 68 ft 11 in
• Max Speed: Mach 0.84
• Range: 3,500 nautical miles

The aircraft proudly features twin Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines. These engines support high efficiency and reliability. The interior usually seats eight to twelve passengers, depending on the configuration.

Interior Design

The cabin is designed with luxury and functionality in mind. Passengers enjoy fully reclining seats, ample legroom, and noise-reducing technologies. The customizable configurations address varying needs, from business discussions to relaxation.

The jet includes a modern, well-equipped galley, a large baggage compartment, and a spacious lavatory. Advanced air management offers a comfortable cabin altitude even at cruising height.

Avionics and Technology

Flying the Citation Longitude involves using Garmin’s G5000 avionics suite. This suite provides pilots with a user-friendly interface. Features include synthetic vision, advanced weather tracking, and flight management systems.

Operators benefit from touchscreen controls and wide displays. Safety systems such as Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), and weather radar are standard.

Performance and Efficiency

The Longitude offers impressive performance metrics. It can take off from runways as short as 4,900 feet and land on runways as short as 3,400 feet. Climbing to 43,000 feet typically takes around 25 minutes.

Efficiency is central, with the engines providing powerful thrust while keeping fuel consumption manageable. The aerodynamics, including a T-tail and clean-wing design, minimize drag and enhance fuel efficiency.

Usage and Popularity

Businesses favor the Longitude for its mix of range, speed, and operational costs. Companies utilize it for rapid cross-country travel. Individuals appreciate its cabin comfort and negligible downtime.

Charter operators also find it beneficial. The ability to fly longer routes non-stop opens various market opportunities. Feedback often highlights the balance between performance and passenger comfort.

Support and Maintenance

Textron Aviation supports a global network of service centers. Regular maintenance is facilitated by the modular design of components. Diagnostic systems provide real-time data, aiding in predictive maintenance.

Pilots receive training through Textron’s facilities, which focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Comprehensive support ensures maximum aircraft availability and safety.

Environmental Considerations

The Cessna Citation Longitude faces environmental scrutiny like all modern aircraft. Efforts to reduce emissions include efficient engine performance and aerodynamic optimizations. These features lower overall fuel consumption.

Noise is another concern. Noise-reducing technologies ensure compliance with regulations while minimizing the impact on surrounding communities.

Financial Aspects

Acquiring a Citation Longitude involves considerations of both purchase price and operational costs. The jet’s price is competitive within its category, often viewed as a long-term investment.

Operational costs include fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, insurance, and hangar fees. Companies often analyze cost per mile to assess financial viability.

Future Prospects

The ongoing development and updates aim to keep the Longitude competitive. Advancements in materials, avionics, and engine technologies are constantly under review. Customer feedback continues to play a vital role.

The Longitude remains a key part of Textron Aviation’s strategy. Ongoing investments ensure it meets future regulatory and market demands.