New Aircraft Start Down Production Line

Cessna says it is has started production line flow of its new Citation CJ2+ and will soon begin production line flow of its new Citation CJ1+.

On February 11, 2005, the first Citation CJ2+ began its move down the production line. Serial number 525A-000300 is at the first phase of production and will be used to certify the avionics for the CJ2+. Additional units will begin moving down the line in the third quarter at regularly scheduled intervals.  The first Citation CJ1+ is expected to begin production line flow in March 2005.

The Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 production lines have been combined to take advantage of part commonality and increased efficiency - a consolidation enabled by Cessna's lean manufacturing advancements. In addition, Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 tooling has been configured to expand or contract depending upon the specific model being produced.  Therefore, Cessna can build any CJ1+, CJ2+ or CJ3 airframe on the same advanced production tooling. This sophisticated technology allows Cessna to adjust Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 production rates more efficiently, and deliver airplanes to customers with shorter lead times.

Other CJ1+ program milestones include completion of over 175 hours of flight-testing since first flight in October 2004. Flight tests already completed include field performance, stall speeds, systems verification and general aircraft handling qualities.  Cessna is on schedule for first customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The Citation CJ2+ also continues to progress on schedule. Cessna completed the prototype aircraft electrical power-on on January 27, 2005.  First flight is anticipated in March 2005, certification in the fourth quarter of 2005, and first customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2006. 

FMI: www.cessna.com