Summary
- Citation Longitudes and Latitudes are set to feature a new Garmin G5000 avionics system for enhanced performance and safety starting in 2025 and 2026.
- The new avionics suite includes a Synthetic Vision Guidance System for better landing assistance and an updated SafeTaxi feature for ground navigation.
- This includes the addition of ADS-B In capability and GDL 60 Datalink for improved data exchange and connectivity options on Citation business jets.
On Monday, May 27, Textron Aviation announced several new avionics upgrades to the flagship private jet of its Cessna Citation family, the Citation Longitude, as well as one of the most popular midsize business jets, the Citation Latitude. Textron Aviation, which is the parent company of Cessna, announced these new upgrades to several of its business jets just days before the 2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) was set to kick off in Geneva, Switzerland.
The avionics upgrades will allow both the Citation Latitude and the Citation Longitude, which are the two largest Citation jets that are currently produced, to be delivered with the newest Garmin avionics system, the Garmin G5000.
Upgrades to the Citation family
The new avionics suite is set to join the Citation line within the next year. Textron Aviation will begin offering the Garmin G5000 avionics system in Citation Latitudes beginning in 2025. The company will begin delivering the Garmin G5000 avionics system in Citation Longitudes beginning in 2026.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Lannie O’Bannion, the Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations at Textron Aviation, spoke about the new avionics upgrades. O’Bannion stated,
“Citation jets offer customers performance, productivity, and profitability that opens a new world of possibility in aviation and their business. These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to continuously invest in our legendary products in order to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers.”
New avionics suite
The Garmin G5000 is the latest and greatest avionics system in Garmin’s extensive product line. Previously, both of these business jets, along with many other Citation jets, were delivered with the Garmin G3000 avionics system. However, the Garmin G5000 system provides several more benefits for Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude operators.
One of the features expected to be included in the new avionics suite is the Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS). This new system works with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) and depicts the upcoming landing. The SVGS shows on the primary flight display and begins displaying as low as 150 feet. It shows the topography of the surrounding area, the runway, and other obstacles to assist the crew with landing the aircraft.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Upgrades to the SVT system are also coming with Garmin G5000. The SVT system will now utilize SafeTaxi to display the surrounding airport environment when the aircraft is taxiing. This system shows hangars, taxiways, other buildings, and even signs and displays to help the crew guide the aircraft while it is on the ground.
Citation Latitudes and Latitudes will also come with the standard ADS-B In capability. This is available for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (AVS). This helps pilots maintain clearance from other aircraft during the landing process and alerts the crew when attempting a landing or takeoff on a runway that is already occupied by an aircraft.
The Garmin G5000 system will also utilize a GDL 60 Datalink. This allows for data exchange utilizing different connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, and LTE connections. Operators can automatically download various information utilizing network connections while the aircraft is not turned on. This offering is dependent on the region and surrounding area.