Cessna Reports First Standardization Of Avionics Cable In
Citation Series
Cessna says it's has established a
new level of parts commonality for the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3
by developing a uniform avionics cable assembly that stretches
across all three models. This marks the first time Cessna has had a
standard avionics cable assembly that may be used in more than one
Citation model.
"This cable commonality provides many benefits to Citation
customers and Cessna," said Cessna's Senior Vice President of
Product Engineering David Brant. "It gives customers more
flexibility to change their airplane's equipment as their
transportation needs evolve. Now, all CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3s will be
wired for the most highly sought after avionics and entertainment
features. If an operator chooses to make a change to their aircraft
in the future, in most cases they will be able to do so without
having to rewire the entire aircraft. Ultimately, this will save
the customer time and money. In addition, the commonality will make
it easier for customers to transition between the CJ product
line.
"This standard avionics cable bundle enables Cessna to produce
aircraft more efficiently. Until now, every aircraft that rolled
out the door had an avionics cable bundle that was unique to that
serial number. Developing one-of-a-kind avionics cable bundle was
very time and labor intensive. Now, we will be able to make
smoother production rate changes without adding extra
overhead."
Cessna's Citation CJ1+ and CJ2+, which were both announced at
the 2004 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention,
continue to make progress towards FAA type certification. The
Citation CJ1+ has accumulated over 325 hours of flight testing
since its first flight in October 2004.
Cessna began Citation CJ1+ production line flow in March, and
four are already moving down the production line. Cessna
anticipates certification in this summer with first customer
delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005. At 41,000 feet, the CJ1+
can travel 20 kts faster than the Citation CJ1. Plus, the 100-pound
gross weight increase of the CJ1+ allows it to carry more payload
greater distances. Maximum IFR range with single pilot and
three passengers is 1,285 nm.
The Citation CJ2+ took its first flight on April 2, 2005, and has
completed over 75 hours of flight testing, which includes
preliminary field performance, stall speeds, systems verification,
and engine development.
Certification flights are also underway. Cessna anticipates CJ2+
certification in the fall, and first customer delivery early in
2006. The Citation CJ2+ will be designated as a model 525A
and will serve single pilot operators. The CJ2+ has a maximum
cruise speed of 412 ktas at 31,000 feet.