Farnborough 2022: Textron launches Citation Longitude MPA

Textron's new MPA is based on the Cessna Citation Longitude business jet. (Textron)

Textron has launched a new maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) based on the Cessna Citation Longitude business jet.

Revealed at Farnborough International Airshow 2022 in July, the Citation Longitude has been equipped with a raft of specialist mission equipment for the MPA role, including duties such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue, border patrol, and fishery monitoring.

“Textron Aviation [which owns Cessna] has developed and had certified factory provisions for various mission equipment supporting maritime patrol and surveillance missions, maximising value for operations worldwide,” Bob Gibbs, vice-president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation, was quoted as saying.

As noted by Textron, the MPA version of the twin-engined Citation Longitude is outfitted with a transmissive belly radome for maritime radars, a beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) datalink, a retractable electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret, and optional night-vision goggle (NVG)-compatible lighting.

The aircraft has a 483 kt cruise speed, a service ceiling of 45,000 ft, as well as an eight-hour endurance and a 3,500 n mile range (both including a 45-minute reserve).