General Aviation Cessna delivers first Latitude in Flight Inspection configuration

The first two Cessna Citation Latitude aircraft in a flight inspection configuration have been delivered by Textron Aviation. Customer is the Kanematsu Corporation which will be operating for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).

The aircraft will ensure the integrity of instrument approaches and airway procedures that constitute the national airspace of Japan, Textron announced. Kanematsu is owned by the Japanese authority and expects a third aircraft to be delivered in early 2021.

Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation commented: “We’re proud the JASDF selected the Cessna Citation Latitude, the best-selling midsize jet, in support of its flight inspection mission [...] When the JASDF needed a modern aircraft with low direct operation costs for an enduring mission, it chose the Cessna Citation Latitude.”

JASDF´s Latitudes are equipped with the UNIFIS 3000 Flight Inspection System equipment from Norwegian Special Mission (NSM). Textron said, that the aircraft will provide flight inspection missions through the periodic evaluation of navigational aids, such as flight procedures and electronic signals, to ensure they are safe and accurate.

“Flight inspection has long been a vital part of providing a safe air transportation system making instrument flight possible and safeguarding passengers and aircrew [...] The Latitude’s long range, large cabin and class-leading performance ideally suits it for the flight inspection mission,” Gibbs added.

Both aircraft are expected to be used by the Flight Checker Squadron, a JASDF unit, which is based at the Iruma Air Base in Saitama Prefecture north of capital city Tokyo. After delivery, the aircraft will enter service as soon as possible.