The Citation XLS, with a cabin length of 18.7 feet, the ability to fly up to 1,961 miles (1,704 nautical miles), and capacity to climb to cruise altitude in 18 minutes, as well as take off in just 3,500 feet offers mid-size jet cabin size with light jet agility, and is classified as a super-light jet. This mid-sized jet is an updated Citation Excel which demonstrates excellent handling capabilities, the ability to fly faster and longer distances than the Excel, reliable systems, and provide smooth, quick flights. The cabin is configured for nine passengers in what is considered a stand-up cabin with a 5.7 foot high interior. Triple-sealed entry door and triple-pane windows ensure a quiet, draft-free cabin. Cabin comfort is enhanced by fold-out tables, sliding headrests, seats two to four inches wider than the Excel, and a couch that is rated for takeoff/landing safety standards. The cabin feels even roomier due to the indirect LED lighting, which will last longer than typical lighting, and which produces less heat. Additional storage is available in an external 80 cubic foot compartment along with additional space in an internal closet.
The XLS has the shortest takeoff distance of any mid-sized jet, using runways as short as 3,500 feet. The jet climbs to its flight level of 43,000 feet in twenty five minutes (forty-eight minutes faster than the Excel) and can cruise at 428 ktas. Range with four passengers stays strong at 1,941 miles (1,687 nautical miles).
Two Pratt & Whitney PW545B engines outperform many competing private jets. The engines provide 4.5% more thrust than the Excel engines due to a high-pressure core that increases thrust to 3,975 pounds each. These engines have a specific fuel consumption of just 709 pounds of fuel per hour and have the ability to reach .80 Mach.
Cabin comfort is maintained, even in extreme outside temperatures, via two standard air conditioning systems. Smooth landings and taxiing are ensured due to the long-travel trailing link landing gear. Other improvements/upgrades include a Teflon seal to prevent oil leaks, configurable fuel flow via a single-channel electronic engine control, and manual fuel control for emergencies. Other mid-size jets do not possess the extremely reliable, high-capacity carbon brakes, which provide both powerful braking capabilities and minimal brake wear.
The design of the XLS allows pilots to easily carry out the pre-flight check. The windshield repels rain due the surface seal and flight systems automatically adjust in flight so pilots only have to set the systems once after takeoff.
The most pilot-friendly feature of the XLS may be the avionics. The engineers of the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics 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. All of the information needed in the XLS is consolidated into three sleek screens. Along with the addition of an automatic emergency descent mode system, pilot hand-eye coordination and flight performance are improved due to the location of the screens’ faceplates.
Cessna continues to meet their high standards in private jet travel with the comfort, performance and reliability of the Cessna Citations XLS.