Cessna's Citation XLS+ Makes First Flight Cessna Aircraft's Citation

XLS+ completed its first flight in late August at Rockwell Collins' Cedar Rapids, Iowa
facility. The aircraft performed as expected with several new modifications, according to
Citation XLS+ program manager Kevin Steinert. In addition to new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C FADEC-equipped engines and a new Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, the airplane has a slight change to the nose section. "It's going to be the same performance numbers even though the engines and nose section have changed," said a Cessna spokeswoman.

The aircraft will now undergo further evaluation and testing. Cessna expects type certification in the first quarter of next year, with deliveries to follow by summer. The XLS+ is priced at $11.59 million.