Summary
- CJ4 Gen 2 has inboard main landing gear, making ground handling smoother.
- The cabin is roomier, with options for premium collection and upgraded seating.
- CJ4 Gen 2 offers excellent performance with a maximum range of 2165 NM.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2 is part of the light business jet family designed and developed by Cessna, a Textron Aviation brand. The CJ4 Gen 2 showcases several improvements over its predecessors. At nearly $12 million, the company delivered its 400th CJ4 aircraft in April last year.
Simple Flying delves deeper into several Citation CJ4 Gen 2 aircraft improvements, as highlighted by Textron Aviation.
1 Exterior enhancements
Inboard main landing gear
| Aircraft exterior | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Length | 53 ft 4 inches (16.26 m) |
| Height | 15 ft 5 inches (4.69 m) |
| Wingspan | 50 ft 10 inches (15.49 m) |
The stretched CJ4 features an intelligent design compared to previous Citation aircraft. Featuring an inboard main landing gear, the aircraft minimizes track while making ground handling easier. The trailing-link undercarriage enables smooth landings. Similar to previous models, the CJ4 Gen 2 features a laminar flow supercritical wing, to delay the onset of wave drag in the transonic region.
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
According to Textron Aviation,
“Smart design means a better ride. The main landing gear of the CJ4 Gen2 jet is located inboard, reducing the track and making all aspects of ground handling smoother. The same long-stroke, trailing-link landing gear common to all Citation jets allows the softest landings and smooth taxiing.”
2 A lavish, new interior
The cabin features two different configurations
| Configuration | Seats |
|---|---|
| Standard (with or without premium collection) | Six people |
| Optional Couch (with or without premium collection) | Seven people |
The stretched cabin of the CJ4 Gen 2 is roomier and more spacious than other versions. With two different configurations and an option to select a premium collection, the CJ4 Gen 2 cabin is a delight for passengers. Having a 21-inch longer cabin than the CJ3, travelers are sure to find all the space they need for their accessories and luggage in the cabin.
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto | Shutterstock
According to Textron Aviation,
“Expertly designed, exquisitely crafted, the reimagined CESSNA CITATION CJ4 Gen2 jet elevates your travel experience from the moment you step on board. The amenities you’ll discover range from eye-catching to productivity-enhancing with COOLVIEW skylights, upgraded seating and a wireless cabin management system giving you instant control of lighting, window shades and cabin temperature.”
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3 Superior performance
Maximum range: 2165 NM (4,010 km)
| Performance | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 2165 NM (4,010 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 451 knots (835 km/h) |
| Useful load | 6,950 lb (3,160 kg) |
| Takeoff field length | 3,410 ft (1,040 ft) |
The moderately swept wing of the CJ4, the same as that of the Citation Sovereign, provides excellent low-speed and high-speed performance. With a fuel capacity of nearly 6,000 lb (2,700 kg), a significantly greater operational range is achieved. There is no lack of desired power from the two Williams FJ44-4A engines, each producing over 3,600 lbf (16 kN) of takeoff power.
Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock
Textron Aviation shows the unique characteristics of the aircraft by stating,
“The CessnCJ4 Gen2 jet also delivers the proven performance of its predecessor. The COLLINS AEROSPACE PRO LINE 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.”
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4 Fresh Air System
Circulating fresh air from outside the aircraft into the cabin
| Fresh Air Circulation Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry | Outside air enters the aircraft |
| Compression and Heating | Air is compressed and heated |
| Cooling | Air is cooled to cabin temperature |
| Inlet into the cabin | Cooled air enters the cabin through ducts |
| Exit | Air exits the aircraft through outflow valves |
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft features a fresh air system rather than conventional recirculation systems. Focusing on circulating the air from outside the aircraft into the cabin, the fresh air system requires no re-circulation and filters. The outside air is treated to achieve optimum pressure before it is heated to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Before entering the cabin, purified air is cooled to cabin temperature. Cessna claims a typical volume exchange from entry to exit takes approximately two minutes. Circulation time varies slightly between different aircraft and configurations. Aircraft with fresh air systems generally feature air-conditioning evaporators.
5 Airborne Solutions
Ready for a variety of mission-specific challenges
- Aerial survey
- Air ambulance
- Flight inspection
- Float operations
- Parachute
- Surveillance
- Training
- Utility/transport
- Multi-mission
One of the major advantages of the CJ4 is its versatility in various missions. Whether it is a utility or a transport mission, surveillance, or training, the CJ4 is equipped with all the provisions. The aircraft is certified to fly with a single pilot, enabling more opportunities and critical mission readiness.
Photo: Textron Aviation
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According to Textron Aviation,
“When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. Our aircraft provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.”
What are your thoughts on the enhancements of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2 aircraft? Share your views in the comments section.
