Summary
- Cessna TTx was once a fast and advanced single-engine aircraft that faced challenges in the market.
- Competition, low sales, and production challenges led to the end of TTx’s production in 2018.
- Cessna’s strategic shift focused on core products, leading to the TTx’s discontinuation for efficiency.
The Cessna TTx, known for its sleek design, impressive performance, and advanced technology, was once a highly anticipated aircraft in the general aviation market. Despite its promising features and initial enthusiasm, Cessna decided to cease production of the TTx.
Introducing the Cessna TTx
In December 2007, Cessna acquired general aviation manufacturer Columbia Aircraft, and along with the acquisition came the Columbia 400 aircraft. Under this new ownership, the plane became known as the Cessna 400.
Cessna subsequently gave the 400 its marketing name, Corvalis TT – ‘Corvalis’ after the town near where the 400 was being manufactured, and ‘TT’ for ‘twin turbocharged’, per Cessna. The TT was marketed as the world’s fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft, boasting a maximum cruise speed of around 235 knots (270 mph / 435 km/h).
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The manufacturer ended production of the aircraft in 2018.
On March 29, 2011, Cessna unveiled an improved Corvalis TT, designated as the TTx. It was introduced as a high-performance, single-engine general aviation aircraft that combined speed, comfort, and cutting-edge avionics.
New and improved features included:
- New glass cockpit panel based on the Garmin G2000
- Dual Attitude and Heading Reference Systems
- GFC 700 autopilot
- New paint scheme
- New cabin interior
A short-lived aircraft
Following its launch in 2011, the TTx flew for the first time two years later, on March 2, 2013. However, according to Flying Magazine, Textron Aviation ceased production of the TTx in 2018, just a mere five years since its maiden flight.
As reported by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Textron Aviation had been facing low sales of the TTx for a number of years. At the peak of its sales history, 44 units of the TTx were delivered in 2015. However, by 2017, sales nearly halved to just 23 units.
In response to speculation about the reasons Textron Aviation stopped production of the TTx, it said in a statement to AOPA:
“At Textron Aviation, we continuously monitor the market as it fluctuates and adjust our product offerings accordingly.”
Market competition and demand
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Cessna TTx was intense market competition. The general aviation market is crowded with numerous manufacturers offering a wide range of aircraft.
Competitors such as the Cirrus SR22, with its innovative design and market-leading safety features, posed significant challenges to the TTx. The SR22 included a whole-plane parachute system, which was a significant selling point for many buyers prioritizing safety.
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Furthermore, the SR22 had already established a strong foothold in the market, making it difficult for the TTx to capture a significant share. As such, despite the TTx’s superior speed and advanced avionics, it struggled to differentiate itself sufficiently from its competitors
Production and manufacturing challenges
Manufacturing and production challenges could have likely also contributed to the cessation of the Cessna TTx.
The aircraft was initially manufactured in Bend, Oregon (close to Corvallis, the namesake of the TT). However, in April 2009, Cessna decided to move production to Chihuahua, Mexico, and Independence, Kansas. The production line restarted in October of the same year at a rate of one aircraft every six months. This was to allow for employee adjustment and familiarization.
Not only did this present supply chain challenges and production delays, which further impacted the overall cost and efficiency of manufacturing the TTx, but the move also proved to be a blow for the TTx as the composite parts from Mexico were initially defective, according to Flying Magazine.
Strategic shift in focus
Cessna’s decision to cease production of the TTx was also influenced by a strategic shift in focus. The company, part of Textron Aviation, decided to concentrate its resources and efforts on its core product lines, including business jets and other high-demand aircraft. By focusing on these more profitable segments, Cessna aimed to optimize its operations and ensure long-term sustainability.
The manufacturer said in a statement to the AOPA:
“Our strategy continues to focus on bringing new products to market and aligning business priorities with market demand. We remain dedicated to offering a modern product portfolio, ensuring our customers have access to the latest technology, and supporting our existing customer base across all platforms.”
The TTx, while innovative and high-performing, proved to be a misalignment with Cessna’s strategic priorities. As a result, the cessation of its production was a decision made so that Cessna could allocate resources more efficiently and enhance its overall market position.
The future of high-performance single-engine aircraft
The end of the Cessna TTx’s production does not signal the end of high-performance single-engine aircraft. The market continues to evolve, with manufacturers introducing new models and innovations to meet the demands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Advances in technology, materials, and avionics are likely to drive the development of new aircraft that combine performance, safety, and value.
Manufacturers will continue to learn from the successes and challenges of aircraft like the TTx, using this knowledge to design and produce next-generation models that better meet market needs. And the lessons learned from the TTx’s journey will undoubtedly influence future developments in the general aviation sector.