Mon, Oct 06, 2008
Company Expects STC In June 2009
Since program announcement at NBAA in September
2007, significant progress has been made towards
completing FAA certification of Winglet Technology's patented
Elliptical Winglets on the Cessna Citation X.
The modification kit and production winglets have been installed
on Cessna's test aircraft, and final flight testing is nearing
completion. The wing full scale static test has been successfully
completed, and the winglet static test is underway and expected to
complete this month. Remaining electrical system and exterior
lighting flight testing is also scheduled to be completed this
month. Issuance of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Supplemental Type Certificate for the Citation X Elliptical Winglet
is planned for June 2009.
The addition of Elliptical Winglets to the Citation X has
significantly improved the performance of the aircraft. The
winglets provide a 4-5% reduction in fuel consumption on long-range
missions and the aircraft's maximum range is increased by 150
nautical miles. The Citation X cruise speed at altitude is
increased when Elliptical Winglets are installed. For altitudes
above FL410, speed increases of up to 15 knots are achieved. The
winglets provide significant improvements in climb performance,
with the time to climb to FL430 reduced from 26 to 22 minutes. With
winglets installed, the Citation X can now climb directly to FL450
at maximum takeoff weight, eliminating the step-climb required
without winglets. One of the most significant performance gains is
an increase in takeoff weight of up to 1,200 lb for hot/high
departures!
Winglet Technology and Cessna announced at last year's NBAA that
the two companies were collaborating on the development of Winglet
Technology's patented Elliptical Winglet design for retrofit on
Cessna's Citation X aircraft. Cessna has been supporting Winglet
Technology's efforts to acquire the FAA STC for the Citation X
aircraft by providing testing and technical support. Cessna-owned
Service Centers will be providing installation support for the
Elliptical Winglet STC retrofit kit installation.
Winglet Technology has selected Ducommun AeroStructures, Inc. to
manufacture the Citation X Elliptical Winglets. Ducommun has
delivered FAA conformed Elliptical Winglets to support FAA STC
structural and certification flight testing. Cessna process and
facility approvals are expected to be in place by the end of the
year.
Winglet Technology designs and markets its patented Elliptical
Winglets for business jets and transport category aircraft. NBAA
show attendees can see the patented Elliptical Winglets for the
Citation X on display at Winglet Technology's exhibit on the
convention floor.
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