Cessna's new Corvalis TTx completed its first production flight on Saturday, March 2. The
single-engine composite aircraft departed from the Cessna plant in Kansas and performed the flight in and around southeast Kansas.
Brian Steele, Cessna's business
leader for the TTx, was pleased with the way the aircraft handled.
"The TTx performed exceptionally well," he said. "In the course of the flight, the pilot took the aircraft to 17,000 feet, and achieved a speed of 213 kts.
"The TTx is a nimble, top of the
line airplane. It's the world's fastest fixed gear, single engine piston
aircraft in production - pilots who like to go fast and go in style are going to
enjoy the TTx."
The TTx is powered by TCM TSIO-550 engine and is capable of
reaching a top speed of 235 kts. The aircraft features an optional
Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) system and an operating ceiling of 25,000 feet.
Inside is a Garmin G2000 avionics system with dual 14.1 inch high-definition displays and touch screen
controls, and the Garmin Electronic Stability
Protection (ESP) system, a feature designed to help pilots keep the
high-performance aircraft operating within the normal flight envelope.
"Being able to celebrate the maiden
flight of the first production TTx is a rewarding experience for everyone who
has helped with making the TTx a reality," said Jodi Noah, Cessna's senior vice
president of single engine/propeller aircraft.
"This program has many passionate followers, and this is a moment we've all been eagerly anticipating. Congratulations to the team for delivering on Cessna's promise, and for taking this next step towards delivering the TTx to the marketplace."