Static park visitors had a chance today to glimpse Cessna's latest Citation jet - the CJ4 - as it took a break from its flight test schedule for a one-day appearance at NBAA.

Piloted by program manager Norm Baker, the CJ4 is one of three now flying. To date, the Williams International FJ44-4A-powered aircraft, with electronically controlled full authority digital engine control, have flown more than 900 times and accumulated more than 1,500h. Cessna will begin deliveries in the first half of 2010.

The manufacturer says flight-testing has validated performance enhancements including a maximum speed of 452kt (838km/h), a range of 3,640km (1,965nm) with two crew and five passengers, and a direct climb to 45,000ft (13,715m) in 28min at maximum take-off weight.

Cessna Citation CJ4
 © BillyPix

"We are very pleased with these preliminary figures. We believe these performance increases will delight our customers as well as position the CJ4 in a class of its own," says Baker.

Source: Flight Daily News