Cessna’s Citation Mustang, the company’s newest entry-level business jet, completed its first flight on April 23. The aircraft departed from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas and completed stability and control tests, climbing to 11,000 feet during the 141 minute flight.

“The Citation Mustang programme is progressing on schedule,” said programme manager Russ Meyer III. “We are extremely pleased with the results of today's flight. The crew completed all

test conditions, and everything went just as planned.”

The prototype, which was piloted by Scotty Jergenson and Dave Bonifield, is one of three Mustang airframes dedicated to certification testing. The other two airframes

will be used for function and reliability tests, as well as avionics development and certification. Cessna anticipates first flights of the first and second production Citation Mustangs later this year.

Said Cessna chairman, president and ceo Jack Pelton: “The Mustang will fill a void in the turbine aircraft market by offering customers a cabin-class, single pilot business jet aircraft with impressive performance and an exceptional price point.”

The aircraft will be certified as FAR Part 23, with an anticipated cruise speed of 340 knots, and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F dual-channel FADEC engines. By comparison, Raytheon’s Premier I has a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots and can also operate at 41,000 feet.