A Closer Look at the Cessna UC-35D Citation

The United States Air Force is the largest air force in the world, and it isn’t even all that close. What a lot of people don’t know is that the U.S. Army is the second largest air force in the world, with a thousand more aircraft than the Russian Air Force has in its inventory. With around 4,400 aircraft, the Army is a massive air force, albeit mostly a rotary-winged one. But they do have a fairly large contingent of fixed-wing assets, the most common of which is the C-12 Huron. While the Huron is the most prolific cargo transport and executive transport in the Army, it is not the only one. 

The UC 35D Citation Encore is a business jet-turned cargo transport and DV transport. A long time favorite of charter operators, the low wing Citation Ultra has carved out an indelible niche in the TRANSCOM community, and both the Army and Marine Corps.  

Overview of the Cessna UC-35D

Here are a few very basic facts about the UC 35D Citation Encore:

  • The Cessna UC-35D is a multipurpose, low-wing, twin-engine business jet monoplane with a pod-mounted engine on each side of the aft fuselage.
  • The aircraft is part of the Citation Encore series, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company.
  • The UC-35D can accommodate passengers, cargo, or both, making it an ideal choice for transporting high-priority passengers and cargo with mission-sensitive requirements.

These are obviously high-level characteristics. But what makes it a go-to instead of the C-12 Huron? The two aircraft are built for different functions; the Huron is a great short-field and even rugged field aircraft with considerably lower fuel consumption than the UC-35. With that said, the C-12 is also limited. Its range is considerably shorter than a jets, and its operating altitude is also much lower, nearly half the altitude of the UC-35D. Finally, it is a lot slower. 

When time is of the essence for military use, the UC 35D Citation is the go-to transport. 

Technical Details

The Cessna UC 35 is a commercial off the shelf Cessna model of a common aircraft series. Again, it is used by both the Army and Marine Corps. It is essentially a slightly upgraded Citation Ultra for military use, but for the most part, business jets are viable for military DV transport and the Citation 560.

The Citation is known for easier maintenance than some competitors, and with almost 800 Citation V, Ultra, and Encores produced (they are extremely similar and share many parts), the supply chain is strong. 

  • The UC-35D is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW535A engines.
  • The aircraft has a maximum gross take-off weight of 16,300 pounds (7,550 kilograms).
  • The UC-35D can carry up to seven passengers.
  • The aircraft features a digital pressurization system and improved brake modulation.

Design and Development

The UC-35D is an enhanced version of the Citation S/II, featuring a 1.5-foot longer fuselage and a redesigned interior to offer more passenger space. Its cabin measures 17.3 feet in length, with a width and height of 4.9 by 4.8 feet, and includes seven windows on each side for ample natural light. Additionally, the UC-35D improves upon the Cessna Citation V with upgraded avionics and better fuel efficiency, ensuring a more comfortable and cost-effective flying experience.

The original design was first flown in the summer of 1987 and was type certified in December 1988. However, it would be a decade before the military would follow suit and adopt the new aircraft for itself. This would come in 1998 when Cessna was given the award for the UC-35A, basically an Encore Cessna Model 560.  

Specifications

The Cessna UC-35D is a versatile aircraft with impressive performance capabilities. It can reach a maximum cruise altitude of FL 450 where it regularly cruises and has an impressive range of 1,800 nautical miles while maintaining a true airspeed of 390 knots. The UC-35 Citation has enhanced design elements that include a trailing link main undercarriage for improved landing characteristics and increased fuel capacity for extended missions. With a maximum take-off weight of 16,630 pounds, the UC-35D offers a balanced combination of payload and range, capable of transporting five passengers with full fuel tanks.

Military Uses

There are basically three main missions that the UC 35 Citation is used for by the military aviation community:

  • The UC-35D is used for executive transport, cargo transport, and medical evacuation missions.
  • The aircraft serves as a reliable mode of transport for high-ranking military officials and offers rapid and secure travel options.
  • The UC-35D is also used for operational support, including airlift within the continental United States.

The primary mission is DV transport, which it does exceptionally well. Depending on winds aloft, the UC-35 can make it coast-to-coast without refueling, and it does so fast. 

As an aerial ambulance, the UC 35 Citation moves littler patients and ambulatory patients quickly across theater or out of theater without typing up larger or tactical resources. 

Operators

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps are the main users of the UC-35. The Air Force has no Citations in their inventory unless it is in a very limited capacity.

Maintenance and Support

Greenwood Aerospace is your preferred partner for UC 35 Citation sustainment and parts procurement. We have over forty years of experience in the field and high quality contacts that come from those years of experience. We are also your MIL-SPEC packaging specialists, and you can even contact us for warehouse support from our 42,000 square foot facility.  

Parting Thoughts

The Cessna UC 35 Citation has proven to be durable, rugged, and efficient. But, the airframe is getting old, and most of the examples in the fleet are old as well, much older than the average business jet monoplane on the market. The Cessna Model 560 will continue to soldier on for a while because the budget for not aircraft acquisition is aimed at tactical aircraft first. 

This is largely why the even older C-12 Huron remains in service and is not going anywhere anytime soon. The UC 35 Citation is going to continue to be the premier jet transport in the Army and DV transport for the Marine Corps. 

Greenwood Aerospace is poised to support the maintenance mission through parts procurement, MIL-SPEC packaging, supply chain & logistics support. Ready to get started? Give us a call at (580) 762-2580.