Cessna Citation X
Performance Characteristics for the World’s Fastest Business Jet
AS 310.01 Aircraft Performance
Performance Project
20 November 2012
Abstract
This research report is centered on the performance characteristics of the Cessna Citation X for the purpose of greater understanding of aerodynamics and performance. The content of this paper will be presented by example and explanation found through research conducted in AS 310 – Aircraft Performance. This paper will discuss general information of the Cessna Citation X; its primary mission; and how it was designed to meet the needs of that primary mission. This paper will also discuss the performance characteristics of the Cessna Citation X throughout different phases of flight. Charts and graphs will be used to visually comprehend the data found.
Introduction
In October of 1990, Cessna announced the development of the Citation X at the National Business Aviation Association convention. A little over three years later, Cessna unveiled the prototype for its first flight in December of 1993 and delivered the first Citation X to Arnold Palmer in July of 1996. The Cessna Citation X has since set several speed records and has also won the famed National Aeronautic Association’s Robert J. Collier Trophy in 1997 (Cessna, 2012). The data collected in this research paper reveals the remarkable performance characteristics of the Cessna Citation X. “The Citation X is the fastest fully certified civilian aircraft in the sky, cruising just shy of the sound barrier at Mach .92. To date, Citation X’s have flown the equivalent of four trips to the sun. They've taken off and landed approximately 1 million times. And every day, their average duration in the air is the highest in the entire Citation fleet.” (Cessna, 2012). Serving as a luxurious business jet, “the Citation X cabin supports a variety of configurations most typically represented by 8-passenger double-club seating with a right hand forward refreshment center. A centerline closet will handle multiple bags and coats, while the aft lavatory provides both privacy and numerous storage compartments” (Cessna, 2012). With both excellent performance and comfort, the Citation X exemplifies the elite world of corporate aviation.
General Description
Approximate Overall Dimensions
Overall Height: 19 ft. 3 in. (5.86 m)
Overall Length: 72 ft. 4 in. (22.04 m)
Overall Width: 63 ft. 11 in. (19.48 m)
Wing
Span (overall): 63 ft. 11 in. (19.48 m)
Area: 527.0 sq.ft. (49.0 sq.m. )
Sweepback (at outboard 25% chord): 37 degrees
Horizontal Tail
Span (overall): 26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)
Area: 120.0 sq.ft. (11.1 sq.m.)
Sweepback (at 25% chord): 40 degrees
Vertical Tail
Span: 10 ft. 7 in. (3.23 m)
Area: 111 sq.ft. (10.3 sq.m.)
Sweepback (at 25% chord): 52 degrees
Cabin
Height (maximum over aisle): 68.0 in. (1.73 m)
Width (trim to trim): 66.0 in. (1.68 m)
Length (forward pressure bulkhead to mid pressure bulkhead): 29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Design Weight and Capacities
Maximum Ramp Weight: 36,400 lb. (16,511 kg.)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 36,100 lb. (16,375 kg.)
Maximum Landing Weight 31,800 lb. (14,424 kg.)
Maximum Zero Fuel Weight 24,400 lb. (11,068 kg.)
Standard Empty Weight * 21,625 lb. (9,809 kg.)
Fuel Capacity (usable) @ 6.70 lb./gal: 12,931 lb. (5,865 kg.)
*Standard Empty Weight includes unusable fuel, oil, standard avionics, and interior, but excludes customer specified optional equipment.
Takeoff Runway Length 5,140 ft. (1,567 m.)
(Maximum Takeoff Weight, Sea Level, ISA, Balanced Field Length per Part 25, 15° Flaps)
Climb Performance 28 min. to 43,000 ft. (13,106 m.)
(Maximum Takeoff Weight, Sea Level, ISA)
Maximum Altitude 51,000 ft. (15,545 m.)
Maximum Cruise Speed (±3%) 37,000 ft. (11,278 m.): M 0.91
(Mid-Cruise Weight, ISA) 41,000 ft. (12,497 m) M 0.89 45,000 ft. (13,716 m) M 0.87
NBAA IFR Range (200 nm alternate) (± 4%): 3,070 nm (5,686 km) (Maximum
