The Cessna Citation X+ is the fastest private jet in the world, with a top speed hitting Mach 0.935, making it the closest a private jet has ever come to breaking the sound barrier.

The Cessna Model 750 Citation X stands out as special when compared to other midsize jets, combining world-class speed, 3,000-plus-mile range, good comfort and excellent runway performance, all for the price of a more conventional midsize jet 70 knots slower.

The X immediately started setting city-pair speed records upon first release, most of which have yet to be surpassed. In 1997, the design team for the Citation X won the Collier Trophy, the most prestigious award in aviation at the time.

The secret of the X’s speed is in its design. Low drag, powerful engines, and an extraordinary wing shape.

RECORDS SET IN 2014:

Over a two-day period, a Citation X+ started by making the 2,303 km (1,431 mi) journey from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport (KICT) to King County International Airport (KBFI) outside Seattle in 2 hours, 58 minutes at an average ground speed of 419.7 kts (777 km/h, 483 mph) before flying the 4,378 km (2,720 mi) from Seattle to Opa-Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) near Miami in 4 hours, 52 minutes at an average speed of 486.2 kts (900 km/h, 560 mph).

The aircraft then reversed course, flying back to Seattle in 5 hours, 13 minutes at an average speed of 453.1 kts (839 km/h, 521 mph) before returning to its original location in Wichita in 2 hours, 22 minutes at an average speed of 526.4 kts (975 km/h, 606 mph). Overall, the aircraft averaged a maximum speed of Mach 0.916 over the two-day period.