Cessna Aircraft Company announced on August 23 that it had completed the first round of ground engine tests on the Cessna Citation Longitude’s Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines.
The tests verified the functionality of the engine start, fuel system and auto-throttle, while also testing the engine’s interfacing with the avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems. According to Cessna, these tests are paving the way for a first flight of the prototype Longitude in the coming weeks.
These tests come after Cessna successfully connected the wing and fuselage of the first Longitude in May 2016 and then powered the aircraft’s electrical distribution system for the first time in June.
Cessna parent company Textron Aviation’s president and CEO, Scott Ernest, said, “The engine run tests are one of the final major milestones as we prepare for first flight. This step really allows us to prove the maturity of the aircraft and its systems.
“Following this, we will do a series of functional and structural tests on the airframe in preparation for first flight. The speed at which we are progressing on the Longitude program demonstrates our industry-leading development cycle and affirms our commitment to new product investment.”
August 26, 2016
