TorqueSim has provided an update on the avionics systems featured in its upcoming Take Command! CitationJet 525 for X-Plane 12. This release marks the first time TorqueSim is bringing the CitationJet 525 to the flight simulation market, following over five years of development. The aircraft introduces a range of systems designed to accommodate a variety of flying preferences and scenarios.
The CitationJet 525: Real-World History
The CitationJet 525, part of Cessna’s Citation series, is a light business jet introduced in the early 1990s as a successor to the Citation I. Designed for efficiency and ease of operation, it is powered by two Williams FJ44-1A engines and is certified for single-pilot use, making it a popular choice for owner-operators and regional business travel.
With a range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed of about 380 knots, the CitationJet 525 balances performance and accessibility. Its straightforward avionics and light design appealed to pilots seeking reliability and versatility, establishing it as a favorite among light jet enthusiasts. Over time, newer variants such as the CJ1 and CJ2 introduced more advanced systems, further enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities.
Avionics Overview
The Take Command! CitationJet 525 features a Honeywell avionics suite, including advanced EFIS displays, an RVSM-capable altimeter, and a comprehensive autopilot system. The EFIS displays are equipped with functionalities for situational awareness, navigation, and approach guidance.
Key EFIS features include:
- Attitude and directional indicators for pitch, roll, and heading.
- Flight director command cues with selectable formats.
- Enhanced situational awareness tools, such as a rising runway indicator and expanded localizer display.
- Integrated radio altimeter and decision height alerts.
Honeywell Autopilot
The autopilot system supports a variety of modes for flight control, including heading and pitch hold; navigation and approach guidance, including glideslope tracking; backcourse tracking for outbound localizer signals; and altitude select and hold, as well as vertical speed and airspeed control. These features provide flexibility for diverse flight operations and pilot preferences.
Navigation Versatility
A key aspect of the Take Command! CitationJet 525 is its support for multiple navigation systems. TorqueSim has incorporated several options to meet the needs of both traditional and advanced navigation workflows:
- Universal UNS-1 FMS: A fully integrated flight management system supporting complex flight planning, airways, terminal procedures, and performance monitoring.
- Standard Avionics Configuration: Includes dual COM and NAV radios, an ADF receiver, and transponders.
- Dual GNS530 or GTN750Xi Configurations: Add advanced RNAV capabilities, including vertical guidance and enhanced navigation features.
The Dual GTN750Xi configuration is set to include integration with the TDS Sim GTNXi system, designed for X-Plane users. This integration is anticipated in future updates and will require the TDS Sim GTNXi (sold separately for Windows only). Currently, the GTNXi system is still under development and not available at release.
Why Offer Multiple Avionics Configurations?
When first introduced, the CitationJet 525 featured analog or early-generation digital instruments. As technology progressed, newer variants such as the CJ1 and CJ2 adopted glass cockpits and integrated navigation systems. TorqueSim’s decision to include multiple configurations mirrors this real-world evolution, allowing simmers to explore the aircraft as it developed over time. This approach also caters to a variety of preferences, offering options for those who enjoy the challenge of older instruments and for those who prefer the convenience of modern avionics.
Additional Systems
Equipped with a comprehensive avionics package, the Take Command! CitationJet 525 offers dual DMEs with time, speed, and distance calculations, angle-of-attack monitoring for approach stability, and a chronometer with features like GMT and local time tracking. These features are part of an expansive avionics suite tailored for realistic and versatile flight simulation.
Development Timeline
As TorqueSim’s first release of the Take Command! CitationJet 525 for X-Plane, this project has been in development for over five years. The initial release will include multiple avionics configurations and support various flying styles. Advanced features, such as GTNXi integration, are planned for post-release updates and may require additional purchases. For ongoing updates and detailed progress reports, readers can visit the official blog here.
Feel free to join our Discord server to share your feedback on the article, screenshots from your flights or just chat with the rest of the team and the community. Click here to join the server.
