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The Cessna Citation I, the original jet that sparked the Citation brand, has left an enduring mark on private aviation. Introduced in the 1970s, the jet revolutionized the business jet market by offering a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and easier-to-fly alternative to its competitors. The Citation I's introduction allowed for broader access to private aviation, accommodating pilots transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft.
Cessna Aircraft Company, known for its general aviation aircraft, ventured into the business jet market in the 1960s, leading to the creation of the Cessna Citation 500, later known as the Citation I. "When Cessna set out to design its first private jet, the company had a clear vision in mind," the article notes. This clear vision led to an aircraft that could be operated from shorter runways, providing greater versatility for travelers.
The Citation I was equipped with twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1 turbofan engines, offering a maximum speed of 398 knots and a range of 1,328 nautical miles. While not the fastest, the jet was recognized for its simplicity and cost-efficiency, giving it better low-speed handling and enabling operation from short runways. "Its straight-wing design, lower approach speeds, and forgiving handling made it easier to operate than swept-wing competitors," states the article.
