Cessna Launches New Light Business Jet: Citation M2.

The first flight of the new Citation M2 is expected in the first half of 2012, with Federal Aviation Administration certification (Part 23) in the first half of 2013. Deliveries are anticipated in the second half of 2013.

The Citation M2 features Garmin G3000 avionics and an all-new cabin design. The aircraft is an aluminum airframe with a T-tail and a straight wing that includes LED lights.

With room for two crew and up to six passengers, the $4.195 million Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 400 knots true airspeed and a range of 1,300 nautical miles.

The aircraft can operate at airports with ways as short as 3,250 feet and will climb to 41,000 feet in 24 minutes planenews.com reported.

“Operator feedback and owner insight have indicated a market for a Citation with the size, speed and range of the Citation M2. We expect to see customers new to the Citation family, Mustang owners looking for a logical next step or CJ1+ operators who want a new, more advanced Citation,” said Scott Ernest, Cessna president and CEO.

The Citation M2′s clean cockpit design is anchored by the fully integrated Garmin G3000 avionics suite that seamlessly integrates numerous system components into an easy-to-use flight deck to simplify operation and enhance situational awareness during flight and when taxiing. The G3000 system centres on three 14.1-inch LCD primary and multifunction displays and two infrared, touch-screen control panels.

The controllers allow multi-function display page navigation as well as audio and FMS control. The MFD and PFD provide split-screen capability so that two separate vertical pages may be viewed side-by-side. Pilots may simultaneously view maps, charts, TAWS, flight planning or weather.

Cessna’s proprietary cabin management system that includes the latest interface options for greater in-flight productivity and connectivity is optional.