Cessna says the first production version of its CJ4 light jet completed its first flight on 19 August, slightly more than three months after the first prototype CJ4 flew on 5 May.
The seven- to eight-passenger Williams International FJ44-4A-powered twinjet is expected to have a maximum speed of 435kt (805km/h) and a certificated maximum operating altitude of 45,000ft (13,700m). The cockpit will feature a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and Venue, Rockwell Collins' next-generation cabin management system.
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Pilots completed "numerous systems evaluations" during the 41min flight, which departed from McConnell AFB near Cessna's home base in Wichita, Kansas, according to the company. The aircraft returned to Cessna's production facility at Wichita Mid-Continent airport, where development and certification tests will continue. Serial number 1 will primarily be used for avionics and systems tests.
A second certification aircraft, nearing completion at Cessna's Pawnee advanced engineering facility in Wichita, will be used for function and reliability along with company service tests. Cessna plans to achieve US Federal Aviation Administration certification in the latter half of 2008 followed by customer deliveries in the first half of 2010.
Source: Flight International
