Cessna Citation CJ3

Cessna 525 Citation CJ4 N428CJ

The Cessna 525B Citation CJ3 is a re-vamped and further extended version of the CJ1. With stylish interiors and advanced on-board entertainment, the CJ3 is among the most luxurious light jets currently available.

Developing nation: USA.
Manufacturer/designer: Cessna Aircraft Company.
Production Lines: Wichita, Kansas
Type aircraft: Turbofan-powered light corporate jets.
First flight: 17 April 2003.
State: in service.

The Cessna Citation CJ3 (Model 525B) is a stretch extension of the CJ2, which itself was a stretch of the CJ1. The aircraft was unveiled in September 2002 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention. It took its first and second flight on the same day on April 17, 2003. It was FAA certified in October 2004 and delivery of the CJ3 began in December of that year.

The CJ3’s cabin comes standard with six club seats in a center-style configuration, although it is customizable to the owner’s specs. The cockpit was originally designed for a single-pilot operation, but it can accommodate up to two crew members. Its flight deck is composed of a state of the art avionics system, which was built by Rockwell Collins. It has external baggage access for added convenience. There is also a cabin baggage compartment which is accessible in flight. It also features a trailing-link tricycle landing gear.

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 3-8 passengers
  • Length: 15,29 m (50,2 ft)
  • Wingspan: 16,26 m (53,3 ft)
  • Height: 4,62 m (15,2 ft)
  • Empty weight: 3.765 kg (8.300 lbs)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 6.291 kg (13.870 lbs)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Williams / Rolls-Royce FJ44-3A, 2820 lbf (12,5 kN) each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 772 km/h (480 mph, 417 kts )
  • Range: 3.473 km (2.158 mi, 1.875 nm)
  • Service ceiling: 13.716 m (45.000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 1365 m/min, (4478 ft/min)

All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar.