Cessna's Newest Business Jet Takes Maiden Flight At Independence, Kansas

Cessna's newest business jet, the Citation M2, took its maiden flight this month at its Independence, Kansas, facility.

Production of the Citation M2 in Independence was announced in September 2011 and the jet is expected to take its production flight and type certification this fall.

"The aircraft performed exceptionally well today," said Cessna production flight test pilot Terry Martindale.

"We departed Independence and proceeded to an altitude of 17,500 feet. Through the almost two hour flight, we completed a large portion of the production test flight procedures. This is the first aircraft equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics, and the system goes beyond what people might be expecting in terms of familiarity, versatility, situational awareness and ease of use. You can sense that pilots designed the cockpit. Everything is where you need it to be."

Cessna says the Citation M2 can fly up to six passengers on a 1,300 nautical mile flight.

"When we announced the M2 less than two years ago, we knew a need existed for a jet of this size, capability and value," said Brad Thress, Cessna senior vice president of business jets. 

Cessna says the new jet has a cruising speed of up to 400 knots (460 mph) and can fly nonstop from Houston to New York, Calgary or San Diego. It can climb to 41,000 feet in 24 minutes and is single pilot certified.