Cessna 650 Citation III
The Cessna 650 Citation III is an administrative aircraft designed for operation on medium-range air routes. Its development began in 1978, intended as a replacement for the outdated Cessna Citation I and Cessna Citation II models. While sharing its name with its predecessors, the Citation III incorporated numerous significant improvements.
Key innovations included a new elongated fuselage, supercritical wings optimized for high speeds, a T-shaped tail, and Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines. These features represented a substantial evolution from earlier models, significantly enhancing its performance capabilities.
Development and Key Milestones
The new jet aircraft made its first flight on May 30, 1979, with the second prototype undergoing tests a year later, on May 2, 1980. The aircraft was certified on April 30, 1982, and just a year later, the first deliveries of the new model to customers commenced.
The Cessna Citation III twice set records for flight altitude among aircraft of its class and also a speed record. Notably, a flight from Canada’s Gander airport to the Le Bourget Air Show in France took only 5 hours and 13 minutes, demonstrating its impressive capabilities.
Versatility and Onboard Luxury
Distinguishing itself from its prototypes, the Cessna Citation III primarily offers the ability to fly longer distances, and it surpassed the Cessna Citation I in speed. Despite this, the Citation III model is known for its versatility; it can be successfully utilized on short-range routes as well. It quickly gains the necessary altitude and lands just as easily and swiftly.
The VIP cabin of the aircraft is designed for 6-8 passengers (maximum 11): it features 6 soft seats and a small two-seater sofa. The cozy environment is conducive to both business negotiations and peaceful relaxation during the flight.
The Cessna Citation III is an excellent aircraft for high-speed transport of VIP passengers over distances up to 4300 km. It is no wonder that this model is one of the most popular among private aircraft owners, appreciated for its efficiency and comfort.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C 650 |
| Wingspan, m | 16. 31 |
| Aircraft length, m | 16.92 |
| Aircraft height, m | 5. 13 |
| Wing area, m2 | 29.00 |
| Empty weight | 5293 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 9979 |
| Engine type | 2 Turbofan Garrett TFE731-3B-100S |
| Thrust, kN | 2 x 16. 20 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 905 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 875 |
| Practical range, km | 3774 |
| Service ceiling, m | 15545 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
| Payload | 6-11 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Cessna 650 Citation III
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.