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CESSNA CITATION M2GEN2 New interiors, advanced avionics and extensive digitalisation. The second generation of the small twin-jet Mustang returns to take on the light, short-range business jet market by Sergio Barlocchetti - ph. Textron/Cessna
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The new interiors of the Cessna Citation M2Gen2, with entirely new materials and style. Special attention has been paid to the weight of the furnishings and the use of sustainable technology For the upholstery and surfaces
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L
ast October Textron made a series of announcements regarding
lighting that also includes illuminated cup holders, more baggage
the Citation business aircraft division of Cessna, a member of
space and wireless recharging with USB ports throughout the
the Textron Group. One of these took shape in late May 2022
cabin. No striking alterations to the aesthetics, and the interior
with the presentation of the M2Gen2 at Ebace 2022, the business
seat layout remains unchanged, with four seats in club configuration
aircraft show in Geneva. Textron’s small twin-jet, one of the most
facing one another. Visibly more durable materials will prevent
popular in its category because it is so easy to fly, even by non-
wear and have enhanced tactile appeal. This is also a response
professional pilots, has been given new interiors reflecting direct
to the only cause for criticism in a aircraft like the Citation that
client feedback and including the latest innovations in technology and
is built for work - a tendency for the interior furnishings to wear
design. A derivation of the Citation CJ1, in which I have flown around
out in only a few years. If, as happened to me, you also have to
1,500 cycles, the M2 is designed to enhance the offer of the smaller
accommodate greyhounds and kids, the interiors have a lot to cope
Mustang model, always regarded as having limited interior comfort.
with. Another small but important improvement concerns the space
Elements of the old CJ1 that remain are the airframe, systems and
made available for the co-pilot, when one is required (the plane can
engines (FJ44 Williams turbofans, which can withstand surprising
be flown by a single pilot). Now, though, this crew member has
amounts of bad treatment) – in other words, everything that worked
around seven centimetres (three inches) more space for his or her
well and made the CJ a trustworthy flying companion.
legs (the youngsters seem to be getting taller and taller) or a bag.
Now Cessna presents a version with a revamped interior style, new
This will always be easily accessible, without having to get up and
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The standard livery for the aircraft is based on the style of the American builder’s larger models: the curved, coloured line emphasises the position of the wing longeron that passes beneath the fuselage leaving space in the cabin
climb over the central console, putting you at risk of disengaging
300 kg of baggage in the special bays or an extra space in the cabin
the autopilot or knocking some other control lever. Beneath the
(for any greyhound that may be flying). Nothing wrong there, it’s
jump seat, installed sideways and behind the co-pilot’s position,
small, compact, catering for short-range journeys to any destination
is an extremely practical storage locker with room for the crew’s
with a runway of at least 1,000 metres. The manual specifies 978
overnight baggage. As for its avionics, the M2Gen2 is equipped with
metres at full load, but we all know that reaching the end of the
a Garmin digital suite, dual-channel autopilot and rapid diagnosis
airstrip before taking off is never a pleasant sensation. Maximum
LinxUs diagnostic system that uses a Garmin GDL 59 datalink
range is 1,550 miles (2,871 kilometres), but in practice owners
enabling Iridium GSR56 satellite communications. The advantage
prefer flying with the maximum number of guests for at most one-
of this is the ability to notify your own assistance centre or that of
and-a-half hours. Flying from Milan, all of Europe is within reach,
your destination of any technical problems before landing takes
including Greece and its islands. Price: 5.85 million dollars for a
place, minimising any potential down-time on the ground. The
well-equipped version, much less than some competitors, but the
aircraft’s stated maximum speed is 404 knots if flying (depending
twin turbofans give it a highly respectable presence. It will also
on height and temperature, at up to Mach 0.71), maximum take-off
please your preferred pilot, who will be working board his or her
weight is 10,700 pounds, which includes 3,810 pounds of useful
much-loved Citation, but with latest-generation avionics. No more
load with fuel and a maximum of six passengers, one sitting next
maps in the cabin!
to the pilot and one in the jump seat. The figure also includes over
https://cessna.txtav.com
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Interior details: the jump seat behind the pilots’ seats conceals a baggage locker. The LED illuminated cupholders and the classic club configuration for the passenger seats. There is a chemical toilet at the rear of the cabin
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