EBACE Show News - May 20, 2008 - (Page 38) NEW AIRCRAFT EBACE 2008 Cessna Columbus Takes Firm to New Territory “We’re going to boldly venture into a new mar- weight or manufacturing cost. The airframe will in class, good runway performance, the longest ket and do something very different. This will have a basic service life of 15,000 hours before cabin in class and seated passenger comfort that be Cessna’s greatest achievement. It will be our the first major inspection. Most of the major equals what you experience in a Gulfstream or most advanced, largest cabin and longest range airframe components, including the fuselage, Falcon,” Pelton says. Based upon the aircraft’s wing and empennage, will be built by outside blend of cabin size, range, speed and price, he aircraft.” believes that Cessna can sustain long-term proThus Cessna chairman, president and CEO contractors. The aircraft will be able to fly eight passen- duction rates of 30 to 50 aircraft per year. Jack Pelton sums up the Columbus, the largest Cessna has earned almost legendary loyalty gers nonstop from Christopher Columbus’ and longest range Citation ever. Cessna estimates that the Columbus will cost hometown of Genoa, Italy, to a half-dozen East among its Citation operators, and Pelton is bank$775 million to bring to market, more than twice Coast cities in the New World at M0.80 against ing on that to help successfully launch the Columbus. The firm already has more than 70 the original investment non-binding letters of interest regarding the airin the Citation X, which craft that Cessna’s sales force now is converting has previously been into deposit-secured contracts. Pelton believes Cessna’s most expensive this benchmark easily will be achieved in 2008, development program. because he believes that many operators of the The Columbus will more than 1,000 midsize Citations want to stay be a big airplane in with Cessna when they’re ready to step up to a every sense, with a larger aircraft. 77.6-foot overall length, The program joint concept definition phase 80.1-foot wingspan began in late 2007 and it will last 12 months. and 24.1-foot height— Cessna should start assembling the prototype in wider in span but two years and first flight is slated for 2011. FAA shorter in length than a Gulfstream G450. It will be the first Citation to have a larger fuselage cross-section than the 1983 Citation III. The 7.3-foot diameter tube will provide a cabin that’s 6.9 feet high, 6.1 feet wide and 36.3 feet long overall, with interior volume roughly double that of a Citation X. A flat floor and inflight access to the aft baggage compartment were features high on the list of customer priorities. Being a clean-sheet design the Columbus will conform to the latest amendment to FAR Part 25, including damage tolerance, jammed control Cessna’s new flagship boasts a clean-sheet design and will be the venerable manufacturer’s largest airplane ever. protection, fuel tank inerting, and 85% probability Boeing immunity from HIRF and lightning. “We’re going to boldly venture into a new The wing’s supercritical airfoil, with 26.6° of headwinds while using market and do something very different. sweep at quarter-chord, won’t be shared with less fuel than any other any other aircraft. Leading-edge slats and large- 4,000-nmi range aircraft This will be Cessna’s greatest achievearea Fowler flaps will be fitted to improve airport having equal or better ment. It will be our most advanced, tanks-full payload and performance. largest cabin and longest range aircraft.” Cessna isn’t yet discussing target weights, say- cruise speed. Fuel effiing only that the aircraft will have a 1,950-pound ciency is to be one of its —Cessna chairman, president and CEO Jack Pelton tanks-full payload. Based on an expected takeoff strongpoints, along with and EASA type certifications are scheduled for thrust output of more than 17,660 pounds, a very low emission engines. This blend of speed, range, payload and fuel late 2013 to make possible entry into service in 5,400-foot TOFL at MTOW, we estimate the aircraft will have a maximum takeoff weight of efficiency puts the Columbus into its own niche, early 2014. “We’re bullish on the business case. We believe one unmatched by any competitor, Cessna offi45,000 to 50,000 pounds. we’re in a sweet spot for initial product launch,” Cessna will stick with time-proven aluminum cials believe. “Our goal is to offer the best value proposi- Pelton adds. construction for the fuselage and wings. Cessna In 72 months, we should know if he’s right. engineers have yet to be convinced that com- tion, one with a very nicely balanced set of posite primary airframe construction saves attributes and features, including the best range —Fred George 38 May 20, 2008 www.aviationweek.com/shownews http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews
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