Cessna Model 526 CitationJet

History of the Cessna Model 526 CitationJet

The Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) was established in the 1990s to replace the Fairchild T-46 jet trainer program. It was a joint effort between the United States Air Force and Navy to develop new training aircraft. The Beechcraft T-6A "Texas II" was chosen as the winning design, with over 850 units still in use today. Another contender, Cessna's "Type 526," based on the CitationJet business jet, underwent significant modifications for military training but ultimately lost to the Beech Pilatus design due to its better performance in competition.

The Cessna Type 526 design, tailored for military training, showcased innovations like hidden engines, altered tail configuration, and side-by-side cockpit seating. Approximately 75% of its parts were shared with its business jet counterpart, offering cost-efficiency and logistical benefits. The aircraft's components included retractable landing gear, a streamlined low-profile wing, and turbofan engines derived from the Williams FJ44, providing enhanced durability for military service.

Despite its innovative features, the Cessna Type 526 design did not fare well in competition, leading to the selection of the Beechcraft T-6A as the main training aircraft for JPATS. The chosen T-6A design has maintained its effectiveness over the years, with impressive performance attributes, including a top speed of 311 mph, a range of up to 1,209 miles, and a service ceiling of 35,000 feet.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1993

Origin: United States

Status: Development ended.

Crew: 2

Production: 2

Manufacturer: Cessna Airlines - United States

Carrier: US (tried, removed)

Roles

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Education (General)

Develop the ability to become a dedicated student pilot instructor (usually under the supervision of an instructor).

Training (Advanced)

A special advanced training platform for student pilots after completing basic flight training.

Notable Features

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Operation Lakes

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Pilot/crew ejection system

Auxiliary procedures to allow pilot and/or crew ejection in the event of an air emergency.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Crew management

In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 40.7 feet (12.40m)

Width/span: 37. 0 feet (11.28m)

Height: 12.5 feet (3.81m)

Cured weight: 6,449 lbs (2,925 kg)

MTOW: 8,499 lbs (3,855 kg)

Wgt Difference: +2,050 lbs (+930 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Low install

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 2 x Williams-Rolls F129 (Williams FJ44) non-afterburner turbofans, 1,500 lbs thrust each.

Maximum speed: 311 km/h (500 km/h | 270 knots)

Cruising speed: 270 km/h (435 km/h | 235 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +40 km/h (+65 km/h | 35 kn)

Maximum: 35,000 feet (10,668 m | 7 km)

Area: 1,209 km (1,945 km | 3,602 nautical miles)