Cessna Introduces CJ4, Fastest in the Family

At the National Business Aviation Association convention in October, Cessna introduced the latest member of its Citation family, the CJ4. The Wichita, Kan. manufacturer claims it is a clean-sheet design rather than a derivative of past Citation CJs. But Cessna is borrowing heavily from lessons learned from the entire Citation line for the design, with an Encore+ cockpit and cabin, the Mustang's wide cabin door, Sovereign-style wing performance and external baggage capacity similar to that of the CJ3. Twin Williams FJ44-4A turbofans will drive the $7.995 million, 11-seat jet at 435 knots-20 knots faster than the CJ3's maximum cruise speed. Projected specs also call for a 1,825-nautical-mile NBAA-IFR range. Cessna expects FAA certification in late 2009, with the first aircraft to enter service in early 2010. Cessna also plans to upgrade its Citation XL and Citation XLS, primarily with a cabin makeover. The XLS+, initially priced at $11.595 million for a limited number of 2008 deliveries, is expected to get FAA approval in the first quarter of 2008.