First Flight Scheduled For Later This Year

Cessna Aircraft Company tells ANN the planemaker recently completed wing mate on its first Citation CJ4, the latest addition to the ever-growing family of Citation business jets.

As ANN reported, Cessna formally launched the CJ4 program at NBAA 2006. The aircraft sports a new, moderately-swept wing, that shares some features with the wing on the larger Citation Sovereign -- including three upper speed brake panels on each wing, which allow the airplane to have the short field performance the CJ series is known for. Cessna says the CJ4 will be able to takeoff from runways as short as 3,300 feet, and land on runways as short as 2,665 feet.

The new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engine will debut on the CJ4. The twin engines each provide 3,400 pounds of thrust, compared to 2,820 pounds of the CJ3's FJ44-3A. The aircraft will be certified for operations up to 45,000 feet.

Electric rudder and aileron trim are also new "big-jet" features for the CJ line, as is single-point refueling. The CJ4 will also sport a wider cabin door like the Mustang; new generation seat design with increased head and shoulder room; a total of four inches more foot room in the cabin; and more storage when compared to the CJ3. The window placements are positioned for optimal passenger viewing.

Rockwell Collins will supply its Pro Line 21 glass-panel avionics system, as well as its new digital cabin management system (CMS).

First flight of the CJ4 is scheduled for later this year, and entry into service is set for the first half of 2010.

FMI: www.cessna.com