NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Overview:
The Cessna Citation X is the world's fastest business jet and the third fastest civil airplane ever, after the Tupolev Tu-144 and the Concorde. This high speed capability can save up to one hour's flight time on U. S. transcontinental flights. The Citation X can fly from Los Angeles to New York in about 4 hours and 10 minutes. Due to its ability to fly at higher altitudes Cessna says the Citation X consumes less fuel than similar size jets.
Development:
October 21, 1990 - Cessna announced they would start work on a larger, faster, business jet.
June 14, 1994 - The Citation X air frame fails FAA test standards testing.
July 22, 1994 - The Citation X experiences engine failure at high altitude.
April 22, 1996 - Cessna engineers proclaim all Citation X testing issues resolved.
June 3, 1996 - The Citation X receives FAA certification.
Feb. 14, 1997 - Cessna designers win the Collier Trophy.
Sept. 17, 1997 - The Citation X sets the 5,000 Km speed record of 544.683 MPH over a closed course.
May 22, 1998 - Transport Canada certifies the Citation X.
July 17, 1999 - Europe Aviation certifies the Citation X.
Jan. 1, 2002 - New Citation X aircraft receive more powerful engines and upgraded avionics.
Features and Innovations:
The large intake, high bypass Rolls Royce engines of the Citation X make it one of the world's quietest business jets while increasing fuel economy.
The wings of the Citation X are designed for high speed efficiency. They have a thin profile and have more back sweep than any other business jet in the world.
The fuselage of the Citation X incorporates design features to keep high speed drag to a minimum. This includes mounting the fuselage on top of the wings, rather than having them run through the fuselage. The Citation X is the first ever Cessna jet to incorporate this low drag design.
Flight controls of the Citation X are dual redundant hydraulic activated. Besides ailerons, the Citation X incorporates wing spoilers for added control.
The Citation X has fully computerized electronic instruments incorporating flat panel displays with GPS, plus the latest avionics.
Flying the Citation X
Pilots report the Citation X as fun to fly. The cabin is roomy and provides six feet of head room. Interior sound, even when climbing at full throttle, is lower than most comparable aircraft.
The aircraft easily handles cross-wind take-offs and landings. However the Citation X lands with about fourteen degrees of nose-up and any banking in excess of two degrees will cause a wing tip strike.
Pilots appreciate the high speeds the aircraft is capable of in addition to its abilities to avoid most weather conditions by over-flying them.
While the Citation X is known for its high speed abilities, pilots also appreciate the low speed handling characteristics of the aircraft. Stall characteristics are predictable and easily handled.
Pictured above is the Cessna Citation X RC Airplane from Marutaka Model Co. that seems to have been discontinued from their line of radio control airplanes. The RC Airplane has a length of 62" and a wing span of 67". Recommended power for the radio control airplane are two .21 ducted fans. Weight of the RC Airplane is about 9 lbs.
The first picture below is of the Cessna Citation X RC Airplane from a Jetwelt kit. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 177" and weighs around 84 lbs. Powering the RC Airplane are two Simjet 26 lb. thrust turbines or equivalent.
The second picture below is of the ARF Executive Jet radio control airplane from Super Flying Models (SFM). The RC Airplane has a wing span of 47" and a length of 53". Recommended power for the radio control airplane is a pair of SFM brushless motors. The RC Airplane is made entirely of foam.
The last picture on this page is of the ready to fly Cessna Citation X radio control airplane sold at a number of toy stores. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 40". EPP foam is used in the construction of the RC Airplane. The radio control airplane has two channel control. The altitude of the RC Airplane is controlled by increasing or decreasing power to the motors. It appears that you can turn the radio control airplane by differential thrust of the motors. We wonder how effective such thrust control can be with both motors located near the center line of the RC Airplane? We have heard of the radio control airplane being converted to throttle, ailerons and elevator control and flown successfully. Apparently the looks of the RC Airplane are good and the EPP construction makes it durable.
If you have built a Citation X radio control airplane, or know of any kits, plans, or ARF Citation X RC Airplanes, please email us about them.
RC Airplane from Super Flying Models.
Citation X RC Airplane.