The Cessna CitationJet series is a family of light business jets launched in 1989. The CitationJet Model 525 commenced its first flight in April 1991 and was first delivered in March 1993. The family of aircraft are powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines, each producing between 1965 lbf – 3,621 lbf (8.7 kN – 16.1 kN) of takeoff thrust.
Cessna, a Textron Aviation company, updated the original CitationJet model into newer CJ variants. The first one was developed as CJ1 and later upgraded to CJ1+ and M2 variants. The CJ1 was later stretched into CJ2 and CJ2+. The CJ series was further developed into CJ3 and CJ3+, and finally into CJ4. This article explores the various aircraft in the CitationJet family and their capabilities.
CitationJet CJ1
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 5
- Max speed: 381 kts
- Normal cruise: 381 kts
- Max T/O Weight: 10,600 lb
- Normal range: 775 NM
- Max range: 1,161 NM
- Service ceiling: 41,000 ft
Cessna produced 360 examples of the original CitationJet Model 525 before an updated CJ1 was produced. An additional 240 jets were produced with the CJ1 configuration. The jet was improved with Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics suite that enhances situational awareness and safety of the aircraft.
According to Collins,
“With large, crystal-clear LCD displays and state-of-the-art functionality, it expands aircraft capabilities and improves situational awareness at every phase of flight.”
In 2005, the CJ1+ showing further updates was certified. In September 2011, the company launched the Citation M2 featuring improved Williams FJ44 engines and equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics. The type made its first flight in March 2012 and was introduced to the market in 2013. The jet has an improved climb performance than the CJ1+.
Since its start of production in 2013, it has outperformed its predecessors and the Embraer Phenom 100E. Cessna has delivered more than 250 examples of the Citation M2. In 2021, the manufacturer introduced an upgraded version, the Citation M2 Gen2. According to Textron Aviation,
“With a perfect balance of cockpit upgrades and a comfortable cabin, both pilots and passengers can now feel at home in the sky. The new addition of standard Garmin® autothrottles in the flight deck gives you control. Range. Speed. Comfort. Capability. The Cessna® Citation M2® Gen2™ aircraft is everything you’ve been wanting in an entry-level jet.”
The interior has mainly seen upgrades with restyling, more cargo space, and a spacious cockpit. Deliveries of the first M2 Gen2 jets began in 2022.
CitationJet CJ2 and CJ2+
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 6
- Max speed: 418 kts
- Normal cruise: 413 kts
- Max T/O Weight: 12,375 lb
- Normal range: 1,075 NM
- Max range: 1,530 NM
- Service ceiling: 45,000 ft
The CJ2 model is a stretched version of the CJ1, with an increased passenger capacity of two. First delivered in 2000, it is powered by the same Williams FJ44 engines as the CJ1+.
The CJ2+, first delivered in 2006, performs much better with increased range and a greater cruise speed. With the CJ2+, a number of optional features, such as TCAS and TWAS, were made standard equipment. An upgraded version, the CJ2+ Alpine Edition, was introduced in 2014, with upgraded interior styling similar to that of the M2.
CitationJet CJ3 and CJ3+
- Crew: 1
- Passengers: 7
- Max speed: 417 kts
- Normal cruise: 417 kts
- Max T/O Weight: 13,870 lb
- Normal range: 1,374 NM
- Max range: 2,040 NM
- Service ceiling: 45,000 ft
A further stretch of the CJ2 was unveiled in 2002, taking cabin customization options to the next level. A center-style configuration has six club seats and plenty of cabin baggage storage space. With a cruise speed of Mach 0.74, the CJ3 can fly a range of over 2,000 NM (with four passengers).
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
Subtle enhancements were made to the CJ3+, which now features Garmin G3000 avionics and modern seats with folding armrests. The CJ3+ is equipped for $10.5 million.
Cessna Citation CJ4
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 9
- Max speed: 591 kts
- Economy cruise: 391 kts
- Max T/O Weight: 17110 lb
- Max range: 2,165 NM
- Service ceiling: 45,000 ft
With a slight stretch, the CJ4 can accommodate up to 10 passengers, including one in the cockpit. The CJ4 has a maximum range of 2,165 NM, the greatest in the CitationJet family aircraft. With an equipped price of $12 million, the manufacturer has delivered over 400 examples of the CJ4.
Photo: Textron Aviation
According to Textron Aviation,
“The CJ4® Gen2™ jet also delivers the proven performance of its predecessor. The Collins Aerospace® Proline 21™ avionics suite allows one pilot to effectively operate the aircraft. Features such as single point refueling, an externally serviceable lavatory and excellent range deliver what crew and cabin passengers have come to expect from a Citation® jet.”