Cessna Citation X

The Cessna Citation X, launched in 1996, marked a turning point for the business‑jet market by delivering unprecedented speed and range in a midsize platform. Developed by Cessna Aircraft Company, the X was based on the earlier Model 560 series but incorporated a new high‑by‑pass turbofan engine, the Rolls‑Royce AE 3007, and a highly swept wing that enabled cruise speeds up to Mach 0.92—about 100 knots faster than any competing jet at the time. Its 28‑foot cabin, pressurized to 8,000 feet, offered enough space for six to eight passengers while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette. Advanced avionics, including the Honeywell integrated flight deck, gave pilots enhanced situational awareness and reduced workload. Over its two‑decade production run, more than 300 Citation Xs were delivered to corporate operators, air‑charter services, and governmental agencies worldwide. The aircraft’s blend of speed, efficiency, and reliability helped redefine expectations for midsize business jets, prompting rivals to pursue faster, more fuel‑savvy designs. Although production ceased in 2018, the Citation X’s legacy endures, influencing the development of the newer Citation X+ and cementing Cessna’s reputation as an innovator in civil aviation. Its impact continues to shape business aviation standards worldwide.

Cessna

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