001 Lifts Off Ahead of Schedule

The first production CJ3 (serial number 001) took its first flight three weeks ahead of schedule. The 1.5 hour flight took place on Friday. 

The CJ3 departed from McConnell Air Force Base and landed at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport. This first flight of the Serial 001 aircraft was performed using a standard production first flight profile. This included the full range of airspeed from stalls to MMO, and coupled approaches.

This aircraft will be used primarily for avionics development and certification. Cessna has dedicated three Citation CJ3s to certification endeavors: a production conformed prototype, serial number 001, and 002.  The prototype made its maiden flight on April 17, 2003, and has already logged over 83 hours. Flight tests underway include climb performance and roll control
tests. 

Recent CJ3 program accomplishments are the successful completion of the low and high speed envelope expansion, mating of the wing to the fuselage on CJ3 serial number 002, completion of the first customer specification session, and painting of the prototype. The CJ3 team has also begun static testing.

The first major airframe article assessment of the tailcone and empennage was completed in late June. All static testing is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2004.

FMI: www.cessna.com