The Citation Jet is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Turbofan engines that are able to propel the small, 6,000-pound jet to very high speeds. At maximum speed, the Citation Jet is capable of cruising at 380 knots, or Mach 0.71. This figure translates to 437 miles per hour, making the Citation Jet capable of transporting its crew and passengers over significant distances in a short time.
The jet has enough power to climb at a rate of 3,311 feet per minute when carrying no extra cargo, according to the Flugzeug Aircraft Encyclopedia website. The engines are capable of 1,900 pounds of thrust on takeoff, and the jet is equipped with thrust reversers for slowing down during landing.
The Citation Jet has the ability to fly at the same altitude as much of commercial air traffic. The Citation has an initial cruising altitude of 35,000 and a maximum ceiling of 41,000 feet, according to the Jet Sales website. Even under the power of only one of its two engines, it can reach an altitude of 23,000 feet at mid-weight.
The Citation Jet itself weighs 6,160 pounds without cargo or passengers. The jet is able to make a successful takeoff with as much as 4,440 pounds of cargo, passengers and fuel on board. To land safely, the Citation is designed to have a maximum landing weight of 9,800 pounds. This figure includes the maximum cargo minus the weight of fuel onboard.
The Citation is able to fly across the continent with only one refueling stop. In fact, the Citation can travel from New York City almost to Denver on a single load of fuel. The Citation's range is listed at 1,709 miles, or 1,485 nautical miles, according to the Flugzeug Aircraft Encyclopedia website.
