Technology: Cessna Citation M2 Overview

By Jorge Jefferds December 11, 2014 

Cessna Aircraft Company, the leading company producer of executive jets, released the latest Citation M2 of its generation on December 2013. The initiative was celebrated in the main corporate hangars located in Wichita, Kansas, where thousands of people congregated for the occasion.

Almost a year later, here is an overview of what Brad Thress, Cessna senior vice president of business jets, said the aircraft would provide to the marketplace.

The Citation M2 is a low-wing aircraft with a pressurized cabin to accommodate a crew of two and up to six additional passengers. Fuel stored in the wings offers generous range for missions typical of this class aircraft. Space for baggage is provided in the nose and tail cone.

The Takeoff Runway Length is 3,250 ft (991 m), the Climb Performance is 25 min to 41,000 ft (12,497 m), the Maximum Altitude is 41,000 ft (12,497 m), and the Maximum Cruise Speed is 400 KTAS (741 km/hr, 460 mph).

The fuselage has a constant circular cross section and is attached to the wing without any cutouts for the spar. A dropped isle from just behind the cockpit through the lavatory makes moving about the cabin easier. The keyed cabin door is located on the forward left-hand side of the fuselage. A plug-type emergency exit is located on the aft right-hand side of the cabin.

The nose section includes a generous baggage compartment from which the avionics bay, oxygen bottle, and windshield alcohol supply are accessible. A baggage compartment is also located in the tail cone. External access to both the equipment and the baggage area is provided through a baggage door on the lower left-hand side of the aft fuselage and removable exterior panels.

Dual flight controls are provided consisting of control wheel columns, adjustable rudder pedals, brakes and mechanical nose wheel steering. Pushrod, bell crank, sector, and cable systems are used to actuate the rudder, elevator, and ailerons. Corrosion resistant stainless steel cables are used in all primary and secondary systems.

The M2 has two integral fuel tanks, one per wing, providing a total of 3,302 pounds (1,497 kg) of usable fuel. System operation is fully automatic throughout the normal flight profile with each engine receiving fuel from its respective wing tank. Fuel is heated through an oil heat exchanger and anti-ice additives are not required.

The Citation M2 features the Garmin G3000 advanced avionics system, a large-format glass cockpit with integrated sensors and lightweight modular avionics. The system presents to the crew all the flight, navigation, and situational inputs, as well as aircraft systems information, for a precise picture of the total flying environment. Three liquid crystal displays (LCDs) offer high resolution, wide viewing angles, and clear sunlight readability. Complete flight management functionality and a three axis digital autopilot ease the workload for one or two pilots.

The Citation M2 cockpit is designed to provide the crew with the tools for the job in a comfortable working environment. Single pilot capabilities mean that all essential controls are within easy reach from the left seat. Each crew seat is fully adjustable and includes a five-point restraint system. Left and right hand reading lights, air outlets, sidewall map pockets, and dual cup holders are provided.

The standard configuration in the Citation M2 features a side facing seat with an armrest cabinet, a storage cabinet across from the side facing seat and four passenger seats in a center club configuration. A left hand belted flushing toilet and a center aft coat rod are located in the aft cabin lavatory. A removable curtain provides privacy. Each passenger seat is mounted on a pedestal with the ability to track forward, aft, and laterally. Each seat may be reclined depending on its position on the pedestal.

The aft cabin divider restricts seat #5. Individual air outlets and reading lights are provided in the cabin overhead above each passenger. Dropout, constant-flow oxygen masks are also installed in the overhead for emergency use. Cup holder/storage areas are built into the side ledge next to each seat. A 110 volt AC outlet is included behind seats #5 and #6. Also built into the side ledges in the center club are foldout executive tables with leather table top inserts.

A five inch dropped aisle, extending from the cockpit divider aft through the lavatory, provides a cabin height of 57 inches. The constant cross section of the cabin provides a continuous width of 58 inches. (Measurements represent distance between soft goods.) The cabin is 11 feet long measured from the cockpit divider to the aft pressure bulkhead. Included are indirect overhead lights with full dimming capability.

Entrance and emergency exit lights are also provided in the passenger cabin. Eight elliptical windows offer exceptional natural lighting throughout the cabin. Three panes per window and bagged insulation in the walls contribute to a quiet, comfortable cabin environment. With the exception of the entrance door, each window has pleated manual window shades.

A selection of carpets, fabrics, leathers, and painted cabinetry coverings, all burn-resistant, are included in the base price of the aircraft.