A great performer off of short and narrow runways. Cessna photo.
The Citation M2 is classified as an entry-level, jet. It is the smallest member of Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation lineup. Designed for short range flights of up to two and half hours, the M2 is a comfortable and cost-effective solution for up to 6 people when chartered. It also comes with an impressive array of technology for its size.
The first Cessna Citation business jet, the 5-seat Citation I (model 500) entered service in 1971. The concept of light twin-engine jet capable of operating from convenient smaller airports not served by the airlines was entirely new at the time. Several thousand light jets later, the Cessna Citation continues to lead the category. In the 1990s Cessna went back to the drawing board and introduced the new CitationJet ("CJ") lineup. The smallest member of this new family of light jets was initially called the CJ1. Following further development Cessna began marketing the M2 in 2013.
The original light Citation jets were distinguished by a "V-tail design", where the horizontal stabilizer is mounted near the base of the tail. The new Citation M2 (as well as its larger siblings the CJ2, CJ3, and CJ4) all have a T-tail, where the horizontal stabilizer is mounted at the top of the tail. The M2 was designed to be versatile. You won’t find a swept-back wing on the M2. Together with two Williams engines, it was built not so much for speed as to get into and out of short runways of little over 3,000 feet in length. Still, the aircraft manages a respectable 404 knots/ 465 miles per hour at maximum cruise.
The cabin of the Cessna Citation M2
In a typical charter configuration the M2 carries 5 passengers, with a single club layout of 4 seats plus a side facing seat behind the flight deck. This seat can be replaced with extra storage space or refreshment center. A belted lavatory seat is also standard, and becomes handy when you are 6 on a tight budget. The aircraft’s maximum range is just over 1,550 nautical miles/ 1,784 miles, about 100 nautical miles/ 115 miles better than the original CJ1 which the M2 replaces.
Looking out the uniquely-shaped Citation M2 window as we cruise comfortably above most commercial air traffic.
Despite the relatively small cabin size, you’ll be able to relax or work comfortably on the M2 with its large fold-out tables and 8 cabin windows that help provide a sense of spaciousness. There’s also an optional cabin management system which provides integrated entertainment, climate, and information controls at passenger fingertips. On a recent two and half hour flight we completely forgot that we were flying on a small cabin jet, and while traveling fast and high above most commercial traffic beat the airlines to our final destination by a good margin.
On the flight deck the M2 is no slouch. A high degree of automation and other technological advances assist pilots in keeping things as simple as possible (the aircraft is certified to be flown by a single pilot, but you will find two pilots when chartering). This includes a sophisticated flight management system with GPS technology, weather avoidance radar, Terrain Avoidance Warning System, Traffic Collision and Avoidance System, electronic flight charts and more. This is all packed into was is known as the Garmin® G3000™; an entirely digital flight deck consisting of three large screens that include Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) providing a clear, concise picture of where you are at all times.
For a list of specs on the M2, visit our Aircraft Guide.
