Textron Aviation’s subsidiary Cessna Aircraft has commenced full assembly line flow on the Citation Latitude midsize business jet at its manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kansas, US.
The assembly of the Latitude houses’ various technological advancements include the new automated robotics and tooling stations.
Textron Aviation president and CEO Scott Ernest said: "We are not only bringing technological advances to the design of our new products, but also to the way we manufacture these world-class airplanes.
"The Latitude is a perfect example of this, combining a new innovative design with many of the latest advances in manufacturing technology."
The first production aircraft will be used as the fourth Citation Latitude prototype, as part of the certification programme that has to date completed 100 flights and nearly 230 hours.
The Citation Latitude prototype, which flew for the first time in February, achieved maximum speed of 506mph and Mach speed of 0.80, and reached an altitude of 45,000ft in its third flight.
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By GlobalDataThe Citation Latitude can accommodate up to nine passengers, and is said to have the widest fuselage compared with other Citation jets.
It features a new cabin cooling system, an electronically-operated cabin door and Garmin G5000 avionics and auto-throttle capabilities.
The Cessna’s Clairity cabin-technology system along with Latitude’s advanced avionics provides passengers with connectivity and entertainment through their personal electronic devices.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for Citation Latitude is expected in the second quarter of 2015.
Image: The assembly of the Latitude features technological advancements, including the new automated robotics. Photo: courtesy of Cessna Aircraft Company.
