Latest Addition To CJ Line Features New Wing, Williams Engines

Cessna Aircraft Company told ANN Tuesday afternoon they will introduce the CJ4, the newest member of the CJ family of Citation business jets, at the annual National Business Aviation Association convention in October.

"The market success of the CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 (shown below) proves that Cessna's basic philosophy for the family is right on target," said Roger Whyte, senior vice president of Sales/Marketing for Cessna. "While the CJ4 shares many of the features of the smaller CJs such as the Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite, we've made some cabin and airframe changes, such as a new wing, to optimize its performance for this market segment."

Cessna says the CJ4's main cabin features seating for seven to eight passengers, depending on layout, as well as a large forward door, private lavatory, and large baggage compartment. Power comes from two electronically controlled (FADEC) Williams FJ44-4A engines, which Cessna expects will allow the CJ4 to be certified for operations up to 45,000 feet.

First flight of the CJ4 is scheduled for the first half of 2008, with first deliveries set for 2010.

"Cessna is known for using the latest technology in producing high quality, reliable aircraft, and for offering customers a product range that fits just about every market requirement," Whyte said. "The CJ4 is simply the latest manifestation of our philosophy, filling a market niche within our range of aircraft that we think will be very popular."

Whyte said Cessna will be taking orders for the CJ4 prior to the unveiling at NBAA, and promises other new announcements at the show.

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2005, Cessna delivered 1,157 aircraft and reported revenues of about $3.5 billion.

Since the company was originally established in 1927, more than 187,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 4,500 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world.

FMI: www.cessna.com