The FAA has granted type certifi-cation to Cessna’s model 680 Citation Sovereign. David Brant, Cessna’s senior vp of engineering, said: “The Sovereign incorporates many new technological advancements. The fully integrated EPIC avionics, new wing design, and new production line tooling are just a few advancements that we’ve achieved by adapting and improving existing technology.

“These designs have been rigourously tested through the flight test programme, which has surpassed 3,000 hours.”

The Citation Sovereign marks the first time Cessna has offered customers a fully-certified level D flight simulator prior to first customer delivery. FlightSafety International has already received FAA approval for the Sovereign simulator and will begin training customers at its Wichita facility upon certification.

The Sovereign’s new performance numbers include a 459 knots cruise speed, 2,730 nm range, 3,694 ft takeoff distance, 2,650 ft landing distance, and 47,500 ft ceiling. It accommodates up to 12 passengers and a crew of two, and 100 cubic feet, or 1,000 pounds of external baggage.

Cessna has received more than 100 firm Sovereign orders in backlog, worth $1.5 billion. First delivery is expected in the second half of 2004.