CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN

It has great short takeoff capability, enhanced technology and incredible performance to business leaders’ needs in a corporate jet.

In the late 1990s, Cessna wanted to fill a gap in its midsize line-up as demand for its Cessna Citation III/VI/VII waned, with greater cabin comfort, performance and utility than its concurrence but with Citation reliability, a high aerodynamic lift wing for runway performance, and near transcontinental flight range to compete with the Hawker 800, and a thrust-to-weight ratio to rival the climb performance of the Learjet 60.

It was announced in 1998 and made its maiden flight in February 2002. Deliveries began in late September 2004.

The improved Sovereign+ was announced in the October 2012 and it rolled out in early March 2013, first flew in April, and began deliveries on December 23 after certification.

The Citation Excel fuselage was stretched for a 6.6 ft (2.0 m) longer cabin and joined with a large, clean-sheet 515.9 sq ft (47.93 m2) wing with large trailing edge flaps for runway performance, and can accommodate up to 11 passengers.

Aircraft of similar role, configuration and era are: Bombardier Learjet 60, Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600, Gulfstream G150, Hawker 900.