Cessna’s Citation XLS has received FAA programme approval. The aircraft, which was first introduced at the NBAA convention last year, is the successor to the Excel.

The XLS is powered by Pratt and Whitney PW545B engines, each providing 3,991 pounds of takeoff thrust. The cockpit features a Honeywell Primus 1000 control display system with three 8 inch by 10 inch LCD displays, a multi-function display and two primary flight displays. The Honeywell system

also features an emergency descent mode, providing protection for

crew and passengers by turning the aircraft 90 degrees to the left and descending 15,000 feet in the event

of loss of pressurisation.

Improvements over the Excel include an enhanced brake control system. The brake fluid reservoir, accumulator and hydraulic power pack have been moved to the

left-hand faring, which, according

to Cessna, allows for better maintainability and accessibility. The XLS includes APU, pulse lights, UNS-1ESP FMS, TCAS II and EGPWS equipment as standard.