1998 Citation Ultra

• Interior
• Exterior
• Cockpit
• Cabin

Description Engines / Maintenance Highlights Avionics / Equipment

1998 Citation Ultra - Description

Cessna’s aim of producing simple, economical business jets is met in the Citation Ultra.  Few private jets in its class can compare in terms of cabin dimensions, speed, and takeoff distance.

The cabin, which can hold eight passengers, stretches to seventeen feet, five inches – the longest cabin of any light private jet.  The strategic use of seamless wall panels, indirect lights, and mirrors make the cabin seem even more spacious.  Passengers enjoy the cabins equipped with individual flat panel entertainment systems and audio jacks (an optional feature).  The Ultra has storage space for twenty-six cubic feet of baggage, or about six hundred pounds worth of golf bags, suitcases, or whatever else worth bringing along.

Arguably the best selling point of the Ultra is its short takeoff distance.  The Ultra can complete a takeoff in just 3,200 feet while loaded to its maximum takeoff weight of 16,300 pounds.  Not only is the Ultra quick on takeoff, but it is pretty fast at a cruise altitude of 37,000 feet as well.  It has a maximum cruise speed of 426 knots

The Ultra’s speed can be attributed largely to its wing design.  Adhering to the Citation line’s tradition of simplicity in design and operation, it uses the fastest straight wing design that the Citation line has ever seen.  Two aerodynamicists, one from Cessna and one from NASA, collaborated to redesign the Citation line’s standard straight wing.  The result was a wing with a large leading-edge radius and a level upper surface, which better distributed air flow, cut drag, and increased the Ultra’s cruise speed by .08 mach (46 knots).

It would be entirely unfair to solely give credit for the Ultra’s speed to the wing design, as the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D turbofan engines provide all of the power.  Each engine provides the Ultra with 3,045 pounds of thrust.  The blades, made from a single-crystal alloy, are part of a wide-chord blade design that has been refined by computer software to improve aerodynamic characteristics.  The new alloy also allows the inner tube temperature to go up an additional 68 degrees Fahrenheit (when compared to the recent JT15D5-5A engines).  The engine design cuts down on air leaks, resulting in better aerodynamic efficiency.

The engines produce enough bleed air to support the Ultra’s systems – anti-icing, cabin pressurization and air conditioning.  The temperature control system is conveniently designed to allow the cabin and cockpit to set and maintain different temperatures.

When it comes to avionics systems, simplicity is best.  The engineers of the Honeywell Primus 1000 suite realized the importance of details like consolidating multiple displays into a few, easy-to-interpret ones and placing screens close to the controls to which they apply.  The predecessor of the Ultra had a confusing array of five screens and more than eight analog controls.  The Ultra consolidated the mess into four sleek screens.  The relevant controls are located directly on the screens’ faceplates to improve pilot hand-eye coordination and flight performance.

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1998 Citation Ultra: Specifications, Performance, Cabin Details, and Range

The 1998 Citation Ultra is a light business jet developed by Cessna, renowned for its blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency. As an evolution of the Citation V, the Ultra offers upgraded engines, advanced avionics, and a spacious cabin, making it a popular choice for business and private aviation.

Performance and Range

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5D turbofan engines, each producing 3,045 pounds of thrust, the Citation Ultra achieves a maximum cruise speed of 430 knots (495 mph). It has a maximum range of approximately 1,960 nautical miles, allowing for non-stop flights over significant distances. The aircraft’s service ceiling is 45,000 feet, and it boasts a takeoff distance of 3,180 feet and a landing distance of 2,200 feet, providing flexibility in various airport environments.​

Cabin Comfort and Capacity

The Citation Ultra’s cabin is designed to provide a comfortable environment for passengers. With a cabin length of 17 feet 5 inches, it typically accommodates up to eight passengers and two crew members. The cabin features amenities such as a refreshment center, a fully enclosed lavatory, and ample storage space, ensuring a pleasant experience during flights.​Jet Advisors

Avionics and Flight Systems

The cockpit of the Citation Ultra is equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency. This system includes electronic flight instrument displays for both pilots, providing reliable control and navigation capabilities.

Operating Weights and Fuel Capacity

The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,300 pounds and an empty weight of approximately 10,700 pounds. Its useful load is over 5,000 pounds, enabling it to carry a combination of passengers and cargo. The Citation Ultra has a fuel capacity of 5,814 pounds, supporting its extended range and flexibility in flight operations.​

Conclusion

The 1998 Citation Ultra combines performance, comfort, and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for business aviation. With its impressive range, spacious cabin, and advanced avionics, it continues to be a valuable asset for operators seeking a versatile and capable aircraft.

*Specifications Must Be Verified By Buyer