Cessna's Citation CJ3 program, announced at last year's NBAA
Convention, is beginning flight test certification this month.
More than 150 CJ3 orders were placed by the end of last year's
convention. This year at the show, Cessna debuts the first production
CJ3, s/n 001, with full interior at Static Display 5.
The two CJ3s currently in the certification program have accumulated 198 hours
in over 120 flights. Cessna will add a third aircraft to the program
in upcoming months, s/n 002, whose airframe was recently completed,
with engine installation in progress. Certification flights will
be performed on all three units: prototype, s/n 001 and s/n 002.
Approximately 25% of the CJ3's static testing is complete.
Additional CJ3 milestones include the start of the production line
at Cessna's main manufacturing facility in Wichita, where serial
numbers 003 and 004 are being built.
Cessna says that the CJ3 "builds upon the best-selling features
of the CitationJet series, while adding more comfort, speed and
range." Designed for single-pilot operation, its maximum
cruise speed is 417 kt at 33,000 feet. It offers an NBAA IFR range
of 1,771 nmi and a VFR range of 1,900 nmi with two pilots, full
fuel, four passengers and baggage. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet
and max gross takeoff weight is 13,870 pounds. Time-to-climb directly
to 45,000 feet at max gross takeoff weight is 35 minutes.
The CJ3 is powered by dual-channel full-authority digital electronic controlled
(FADEC) Williams International FJ44-3A engines that provide 2,780
pounds thrust, utilizing next-generation component aerodynamics
and a new compound sweep, wide-chord fan for fuel-efficiency.
To meet RVSM requirements, the copilot's primary flight display
is coupled with a second air data computer. 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.
Cessna is slated to begin CJ3 deliveries in third quarter 2004.
