Cessna has delivered the first Citation X equipped with aftermarket elliptical winglets built by Winglet Technology.
The two companies have been flight testing the upgrade for approximately two years since first flight in September 2007. Winglet Technology had earlier told Flight International that the design would provide 15kt (28km/h)additional cruise speed, 545kg (1,200lb) more payload at hot and high airports and a 280km (150nm) boost in range.
Along with a reduced time to climb, the company also said the graphite epoxy winglets would reduce fuel consumption by 4-5% for long-range missions.
Cessna says it expects to release performance figures in October.
 |
|---|
©CESSNA |
The launch customer, who Cessna did not identify, had the kit installed at Cessna’s Wichita Service Centre using Winglet Technology’s supplemental type certificate (STC), granted by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June. Cessna says the kit, purchased from Winglet Technology, costs $415,000 with an additional $178,000 for installation, for total price of $593,000.
|
|---|
© Winglet Technology |
Cessna and Winglet Technology began testing the design in September 2007 |
Unlike blended or straight winglets, the elliptical design spans the full width of the wingtip and is curved at all points along the structure, leading to lower loads on the aft spar of the wing and improved aerodynamic performance, says Winglet Technology.
Cessna says the kit includes flight and operations manual supplements as well as LED replacement lights for the twin-jet’s existing anti-collision and position light system on the wingtips. Modifications also include reinforcing the four outer bays of each wing to support the additional structure, according to Winglet Technology.
Cessna plans to offer the retrofit at all of its nine US and European service centres and will support spares support through its parts distribution channels.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
