For many years Gulfstream has dominated the private jet market, but that’s set to change when the first new Cessna Citation X is delivered later this year. Priced at $22.95 million, the plane has been certified by the FAA at mach 0.935 or 617 mph, officially making it the "world’s fastest civilian aircraft" — a title that up until now has been held by the Gulfstream G650. The Citation X, classified as a midsize jet, gets its impressive power from a pair of Rolls-Royce engines generating 7,034 lbf of thrust. The jet has an awesome maximum operating altitude of 51,000 feet, a range of 3,242 nautical miles, and can carry a payload of 14,436 pounds.
With spacious seating for up to 12 passengers, the luxurious cabin (which can be completely customized) features touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi connectivity. A large selection of woods, metals and leathers are available to ensure that no two Citation X’s need be alike. “Speed is the reason for flight,” notes Cessna CEO Scott Ernest. “It was true for [company founder] Clyde Cessna in 1927, and it’s true today. The Citation X is the perfect aircraft for customers wanting to move faster, be more efficient and get where they need to be more quickly than ever before.”
