Cessna is naturally in force at the NBAA shindig in Orlando this week, and on Monday made the most of its chance to hype the latest news about its much-anticipated Citation Mustang entry-level six-seat bizjet. The jet should be ready for type certification in the third quarter of 2006, with first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2006, Cessna said in a news release. About 300 of the jets have already been ordered, according to Bloomberg News. High-speed and low-speed wind-tunnel tests were completed that verified the airframe design, Cessna added. The Mustang will be certified as a FAR Part 23 aircraft, with a cruise speed of 340 knots at 35,000 feet, and a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. According to Mustang Program Manager Russ Meyer III, “We have completed the major critical design reviews and are confident that we have the right design for the airframe and for systems architecture. There have been very few changes from our original expectations.” The Mustang is 40 feet long and 13 feet tall. The wingspan is more than 42 feet, and will incorporate an 11-degree leading-edge sweep. Each PW615F engine provides 1,350 pounds of thrust flat-rated to ISA+10*C and incorporates a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). The Mustang project was unveiled at last year’s NBAA conference. This year, a mock-up of the cabin is on display.
