Citation ISP Specifications

Background/History

Late in 1968 Cessna announced that it was developing an eight-place, light business jet. The Cessna Fanjet 500 prototype made its first flight in September 1969. It was powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofans mounted on each side of the aft fuselage. Subsequent development led to a number of changes, including a longer nose, increased tail area and added dihedral to the horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft was renamed the Citation and was granted FAA certification in September 1971. Able to operate out of short airfields previously accessable only by smaller turboprop and piston aircraft, and yet capable of modest jet speeds at low cost, the Citation quickly claimed a place in the market. By 1976 numerous improvements had been incorporated, including higher operating weights and the addition of thrust reversers. Late that year Cessna began deliveries of the Citation I, which had an increased wing span and upgraded JT15D-1A engines. The following year the Citation I SP variant was offered, which was certified for single-pilot operations. Production continued through 1985 with approximately 691 deliveries, the final model utilizing the JT15D-1B engine variant.

Power

The Cessna Citation I is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney of Canada JT15D-1/A/B turbofans both rated at 2,200 lbs of thrust each. Inspection intervals on the engines are 3,500 for the JT15D-1A and 3,000 for the JT15D-1B

Avionics

The Citation I was originally equipped with the ARC analog radios of the day, including dual nav/coms, dual ADF,and dual transponders, but virtually all have since been upgraded to modern digital equipment. A typical installation now consists of dual Collins VHF comms, dual Collins VIR 30 navs, dual Collins ADF 60’s, the Sperry APZ 500 autopilot and Bendix RDR 1100 radar.

Design Features

The Citation I is a short-to-medium range, twin turbofan powered business aircraft configured as a cantilever low-wing monoplane with a conventional tail section employing a swept vertical stabilizer. Both the wings and the horizontal stabilizer have a tapered planform. The airframe rides low on its retractable tricycle landing gear, which has one wheel on each unit. The wingspan of the Citation I was increased over that of the original 500 model to 47.1ft. Thrust reversers are also included on the aircraft. The landing lights are mounted on the main gear struts.

Accomodations

The Cessnal Citaion I is ordinarily configured for six passengers in addition to the two pilots, or in the case of the single-pilot Citation I SP, the right seat on the flight deck may be occupied by a passenger. A full-width lavatory occupies the aft cabin. A small galley/refreshment center is generally found along the forward port sidewall. The cabin is Learjet tight, with interior length of 12.7 ft., width of 4.9ft. and height of 4.3ft.