Cessna Details New Citation Columbus Aircraft;

Cessna Aircraft Company, revealed at a press conference details of the recently announced large cabin, intercontinental aircraft, the Model 850 Citation Columbus. Cessna was given the go-ahead for the program by the Textron board of directors on Jan. 23.

The Citation Columbus is designed for intercontinental travel with a target range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers) at Mach .80 carrying eight passengers. Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 488 knots (904 kilometers per hour, Mach .85), a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload of 1,950 pounds (886 kilograms) and takeoff field length of 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) at maximum takeoff weight.

Joining Cessna on the program are Pratt & Whitney Canada, a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company, with its new PW810 engine and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL), supplying its Pro Line Fusion™ advanced avionics system. Cessna has reached an agreement in principle with Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) to produce the fuselage and empennage. Details will be finalized in the coming weeks. Read More at Cessna's Website.