First Citation CJ3 Rolls-Out Of Manufacturing Area
Cessna's eagerly anticipated first Citation CJ3 (to be
manufactured on the production line) rolled out the door Friday at
its Wichita, Kansas, production facility. Announced at the 2002
NBAA convention, the CJ3 has remained on schedule and is positioned
for type certification in mid-2004.
Certification flight-testing for the CJ3 has reached over 567.8
hours in 345 flights. Cessna recently finished induced icing
development and certification flights, and has begun flights in
natural icing.
The CJ3 airframe undergoing static testing has successfully
completed over 200 certified test conditions. Of those tests, one
of the most significant was the ultimate load test. One of the
major tests nearing completion is on the landing gear. So far,
Cessna has achieved 105,000 hours out of the scheduled 120,000
hours, or five life cycles, on the landing gear test article.
Cessna notes that the CJ3 continues in their tradition of
building aircraft that combine the best selling features of current
production aircraft, along with adding new features identified by
customers. They claim that the Citation CJ3 gives operators more
comfort, speed and range than currently offered by the Citation CJ1
or CJ2.
Designed for single pilot operation, the CJ3's maximum cruise
speed is 417 knots at 33,000 feet. With two pilots, full fuel, four
passengers and baggage, the CJ3 offers an IFR range of 1,771 nm and
a VFR range of 1,900 nm. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet and the
maximum gross takeoff weight is 13,870 lbs. The time to climb
directly to 45,000 feet at maximum gross takeoff weight is 35
minutes.
The new Williams International dual channel FADEC controlled
FJ44-3A engines provide 2,780 pounds of thrust. This gives 14% more
takeoff thrust and 12% more cruise thrust than the FJ44-2C, the
Williams International engine used in the CJ2. The engines utilize
next generation component aerodynamics, and a new compound sweep,
wide chord fan that contributes to the increased thrust output,
while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency.
The CJ3 offers an advanced Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system
that showcases many unique features on its three 8-inch by 10-inch
active matrix color liquid crystal displays. In order to meet RVSM
requirements, Cessna has included the copilot's Primary Flight
Display with second air data computer as standard equipment. Cessna
has also made the FMS performance database standard. This is the
first time the FMS performance database will be available as
standard equipment on this class of Citation aircraft. The FMS
performance database will provide pilots with critical information
such as takeoff and landing distances and V-speeds. Other
integrated avionics features include a file server system with
cursor control panel and enhanced map overlays, Pro Line 21 CNS
radios, and Collins FMS-3000. Optional equipment includes
electronic charts and graphical weather providing operators with
increased situational awareness.
Passengers of the CJ3 will have additional comfort due to the
24-inch length increase in the passenger cabin, as compared to the
CJ2. Standard seating is in a six-seat, center-club configuration.
Other new interior features include a one-piece headliner, which
eases maintenance; LED indirect cabin lighting and dropped aisle
lights; as well as a standard forward refreshment center, with a
10-inch wider work surface than the CJ2.
CJ3 Milestones include:
- September 2002: CJ3 unveiled at NBAA 2002
- December 2002: CJ3 prototype's fuselage and wing mated
- March 2003: CJ3 prototype engine run and taxi test
- April 2003: CJ3 prototype first flight
- July 2003: CJ3 serial number 001 first flight
- October 2003: CJ3 first public appearance at NBAA 2003
- February 2004: CJ3 roll-out of first CJ3 manufactured on
production line
- Mid-2004: CJ3 certification expected
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