The Citation CJ4 Gen 3 in flight.
The latest version of this popular business jet is a response to demand from clients and operators, and includes features that, thanks to the extensive integration of onboard systems, facilitates Single Pilot and Owner Pilot flying
The Garmin Emergency Autoland function changes aviation forever, and business flyers will no longer have to worry if there’s only one pilot in the cockpit
For some years now the Citation Jet Division of Cessna (part of the Textron group) has been updating America’s most famous and best-selling executive twin-engine jets. In this case, the CJ3 model, generation 3, presented in late October at the NBAA-BACE show in Las Vegas. Last year the M2 Gen 2 received the same update (The One Yacht&Design featured it) and now work is under way to bring the Cessna Citation CJ3, CJ4 and the M2 up to Gen3 standards. Press attention is focussed on the presence of the Garmin Emergency Autoland system, to be installed on all three of the new aircraft. As they are single pilot models, in the event of sudden pilot incapacity automatic landing can be initiated by pressing a single red button, an action that can be carried out by anyone in the aircraft. It’s not the first aircraft to feature this piece of electronic wizardry, but the Citations are the first business jets to offer it, making an irreversible contribution to the future of business aviation. However, I’m looking at the CJ3-Gen3 because during my career I’ve flown many hours on a CJ1 (Type C525) and the Bravo model (C560), very similar to the CJ3-Gen3, and I’ve always found it to be a simple, reliable aircraft, a real workhorse over the shorter routes typical of continental airspace. The bigger brother Citation CJ4 Gen3, which will be equipped with new Garmin G3000
These images: the Garmin 3000 avionics suite in the cockpit features an extensive use of touchscreens and Garmin Emergency Autoland technology (the red button in the warnings section of the upper MIP). The interiors with revamped materials and increased connectivity, without compromising the typical Citation range style. Finally, the new generation’s launch livery, for the first time in two colours
Prime avionics, is scheduled to enter service in 2026, while the M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 will follow in 2027. Anyone wishing to purchase one, though, will have to order it immediately, as the automated landing revolution will cause a significant rejig in corporate fleets. At Las Vegas Ron Draper, company president and CEO, said, “We’ve unveiled the future of flight and the next generation of light jets, continuing the iconic tradition of the Citation brand. With the inclusion of the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland technology and the new Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, these aircraft will make it possible to enhance the flying experience and offer passengers and crew unequalled serenity”. Fortunately, the only time I experienced problems with the pilot was on a much less high-performance aircraft than the Citation, but the idea of falling ill at the controls has always been one of the worst imaginable scenarios.
The fuselage remains unaltered, apart from some changes in materials and interior styling, so the space is the same as on the Citation CJ range, with one model that differs significantly from the others in the length of the cabin and number of seats, from six to eleven. There is a minibar and bathroom, but of course we’re talking about small business jets and not the medium-large type preferred for longer flights. However, all three
new versions include fully-integrated Autothrottle for effortless management throughout the flight. The Runway Occupancy Awareness function provides better visibility of obstacles and potential runway incursions, while the Advanced 3D SafeTaxi displays runways and connections, offices and hangars, so the aircraft can move around safely whatever the level of visibility. The new CJ4 Gen3 should be included in the classification of the type C525, which means the pilots do not need to retrain. The screens are larger and the interactive slide-outs on the engine indication instruments facilitate access to settings. In general, the secondary displays are 40% larger than those of the previous versions and there are fewer buttons on the panels, making control easier. Passengers, owners and operators can enjoy a number of innovations like lithium-ion batteries, providing more power and increased reliability for more efficient operation in cold weather, new winglets with better lighting for an increased ramp presence and perfect integration of usage data in real time with the LinxUs system, which provides planning and maintenance support, reducing aircraft down times. Cabin acoustics are also improved, creating an exceptional experience for all on board, especially in the rear section, near the engines, and flight deck lighting has been enhanced in the areas where pilots need it most – in the side pockets, for example. Running costs for the Citation CJ4 Gen3 are expected to be almost 10%
lower than equivalent costs for its rivals, and the aircraft provides categoryleading range at all useful loads. It is predicted to have a range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. With seating for a maximum of 11 and a baggage capacity of 1,040 pounds. The CJ3 Gen3 will also offer the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) as an option, providing improved navigation, plus 4.5 inches of additional legroom for the pilots. The cabin is a personalisable space with revolving seats, RGB lighting and full connectivity, as well as a bathroom with natural light. Maximum range is 2,040 nautical miles with maximum payload of 2,135 pounds. With seating for a maximum of ten occupants and a load capacity of 1,000 pounds, the aircraft offers outstanding range of around 2,000 miles at a cruising speed of 770 km/h. It can operate from runways less than a kilometre in length, which in Italy means it can land at small airports like come Milano Bresso (LIMB) or Roma Urbe (LIRU), with landing strips 1,080 metres in length. In practice, the exciting new feature is the Garmin Autoland, an option that we hope will never be used but where single pilot flying is possible this system will offer peace of mind if passengers are told where the button is and how to operate it. The cost? It depends on specifications, but prospective buyers are looking at between six and eight million dollars. cessna.txtav.com