Super Midsize Jet
Cessna Citation X
Range
3,100 NM
Cruise speed
514 kts
Seats
8
History
Cessna revealed its plans for the Citation X in October 1990, at that year's NBAA Convention in New Orleans, with a clear goal: the fastest business jet in the world. The first prototype flew on 21 December 1993, and a long test programme followed. Certification was meant to come in August 1995, but problems getting the airframe and engines through FAA requirements pushed it back several times.
The FAA finally certified the aircraft on 3 June 1996, and deliveries began the following month. Cruising at 514 kts, with a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.92, it was the fastest business jet of its day, and its two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C1 engines also allowed a ceiling of 51,000 ft.
In 2010 Cessna introduced the Citation X+, with Garmin G5000 avionics, an autothrottle and new engines. With the extra power, the X+ can cruise at up to Mach 0.935, keeping the Citation line at the front of business jet speed, and production of the original X ran until 2012.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Citation X |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Aircraft category | super midsize jet |
| ICAO Designator | C750 |
| Start/End of Production | 1996 - 2012 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 3100 NM (5741 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 3460 NM (6408 km) |
| Cruise speed | 514 kts (952 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 350 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.92 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 470 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 132 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1567 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 832 m |
| Service Ceiling | 51000 ft |
| Thrust | 6764 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x Rolls-Royce AE 3007C1 |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 2000 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 22 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 5.9 m |
| Wing span | 19.5 m |
| Cabin height | 1.74 m (5.7 ft) |
| Cabin length | 7.28 m (23.9 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 2.32 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 8 |
| Seats (max) | 12 |
| Suitcases | 10 |
| Carry-on luggage | 9 |
| Maximum payload | 1114 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 16375 kg |
FAQ
Can the Citation X cross the Atlantic without stopping?
In the best conditions, with a light load, favourable winds and efficient routing, the Citation X and X+ can fly transatlantic legs, and the X+ made a direct Atlantic crossing during testing. On real charter flights, though, a full cabin, fuel load and the required reserves usually mean a fuel stop on the way, for safety and regulatory reasons.
What is the Citation X cabin like?
The cabin is 7.28 m long, 1.68 m wide and 1.74 m high, laid out for eight passengers in a standard configuration and up to 12 at most. Passengers get adjustable leather seats and side consoles with power sockets, and there is a refreshment centre plus a lavatory. The cabin stays quiet despite the speed.
Citation X or Citation Longitude: which is better for my trip?
The Citation X is the faster aircraft, with a maximum of Mach 0.92 (cruising at 514 kts) against the Longitude's Mach 0.84 (476 kts). The Longitude flies further, about 3,500 nm against 3,100 nm, and its cabin is wider and taller. Choose the X when time in the air matters most, and the Longitude when space and range come first.
Does the Citation X still hold the speed record for business jets?
For many years it was the fastest business jet in the world, able to reach Mach 0.92. The Citation X+ that followed raised that to Mach 0.935 and kept Cessna in front. Newer long-range jets, including the Gulfstream G700, now fly as fast or slightly faster, but the Citation X remains one of the quickest aircraft available for charter.
How much time does the Citation X save on a typical flight?
Cruising at around 514 kts (952 km/h), the Citation X gets passengers to their destination sooner than most other midsize aircraft. Paris to Athens is under three hours in the air, and London to Dubai normally takes a little over six hours. For tight schedules, that speed is the main reason to choose it.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Citation X type, not a specific aircraft. Cessna and Citation X are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.