Cessna Reports First Standardization Of Avionics Cable In Citation Series

Cessna says it's has established a new level of parts commonality for the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3 by developing a uniform avionics cable assembly that stretches across all three models. This marks the first time Cessna has had a standard avionics cable assembly that may be used in more than one Citation model.
 
"This cable commonality provides many benefits to Citation customers and Cessna," said Cessna's Senior Vice President of Product Engineering David Brant. "It gives customers more flexibility to change their airplane's equipment as their transportation needs evolve. Now, all CJ1+, CJ2+, and CJ3s will be wired for the most highly sought after avionics and entertainment features. If an operator chooses to make a change to their aircraft in the future, in most cases they will be able to do so without having to rewire the entire aircraft. Ultimately, this will save the customer time and money. In addition, the commonality will make it easier for customers to transition between the CJ product line.

"This standard avionics cable bundle enables Cessna to produce aircraft more efficiently. Until now, every aircraft that rolled out the door had an avionics cable bundle that was unique to that serial number. Developing one-of-a-kind avionics cable bundle was very time and labor intensive. Now, we will be able to make smoother production rate changes without adding extra overhead."

Cessna's Citation CJ1+ and CJ2+, which were both announced at the 2004 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, continue to make progress towards FAA type certification.  The Citation CJ1+ has accumulated over 325 hours of flight testing since its first flight in October 2004.

Cessna began Citation CJ1+ production line flow in March, and four are already moving down the production line. Cessna anticipates certification in this summer with first customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005. At 41,000 feet, the CJ1+ can travel 20 kts faster than the Citation CJ1. Plus, the 100-pound gross weight increase of the CJ1+ allows it to carry more payload greater distances.  Maximum IFR range with single pilot and three passengers is 1,285 nm.
 
The Citation CJ2+ took its first flight on April 2, 2005, and has completed over 75 hours of flight testing, which includes preliminary field performance, stall speeds, systems verification, and engine development.

Certification flights are also underway. Cessna anticipates CJ2+ certification in the fall, and first customer delivery early in 2006.  The Citation CJ2+ will be designated as a model 525A and will serve single pilot operators. The CJ2+ has a maximum cruise speed of 412 ktas at 31,000 feet.

FMI: www.cessna.com