Private Jet Review
CJ2+
The CJ2+ is the fifth generation of the popular Citation Jet series, a class of private jets designed to be economical and high-performing. They aren’t the most luxurious private jets available, but they may be the most popular. Business travelers like the idea of a private jet that performs economically without sacrificing performance or reliability. These low-cost, reliable jets are possible only because of Cessna’s insistence on simplicity of design. The jets of the Citation series bypass many of the complexities of their competitors, and increase performance and economy by using some of the most economic engines available. The CJ2 was arguably the most popular member of the Citation series, and the CJ2+ is the new, improved version, offering lower fuel burn, longer range, and a larger cabin.
The design goals of the Citation Jet series can be summed up in three words: simplicity, economy, and performance. This proved to be a challenge, especially in creating an aerodynamic structure that is cheap to produce and handles well. Previous Citations had used a straight wing, which slows the aircraft considerably but dramatically reduces production and design costs. The Citation Jet upgraded to a natural laminar flow wing, which took four years to design in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA. This wing delays the onset of flow separation longer, which improves the lift-to-drag characteristics ten to fifteen percent when compared to earlier straight-wing designs.
The CJ2+ is quite fuel-efficient, with an average fuel burn of 140 gallons per hour. The economy of its fuel burn can be largely attributed to Cessna’s choice of engines. It uses two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-3A-24 turbofan engines, each of which delivers 2,400 lbs of thrust on takeoff (400 lbs more than the CJ1 and CJ1+).
Another of the CJ2+’s strong points also contributes to its low operating cost: the simplicity (but reliability) of its flight systems. It installed the fully integrated Pro Line 21 avionics suite into the cockpit, which has been redesigned and upgraded as well. The CJ2+ is very easy to fly when compared to similar private jets. The benefit of having such simple operation requirements is that this private jet can generally be operated by a single pilot, which provides excellent flexibility in flight operations.
The CJ2 can take off in 3,420 feet at sea level, or in 5,080 feet on a runway at an altitude of 5,000 feet . It takes seventeen minutes to climb to 37,000 feet. At its maximum certified flight ceiling of 45,000 feet it reaches its long range cruise speed of 352 knots. Its high speed cruise is 407 knots. All of the cabin’s pressurization systems (certified to 8.9 psi) are controlled digitally, able to maintain a sea-level cabin pressure at 23,586 feet.
The CJ2+ has a significantly increased payload capacity in comparison to the CJ1. Its maximum take-off weight was increased by 1,700 pounds and the maximum fuel weight rose by 780 pounds. These alterations result in better maximum range/payload flexibility, offering owners more options in flight planning. The most surprising result of the significant increase in payload is that, despite the additional weight, the CJ2+ is 30 knots faster than the CJ1 and has a range of 1,700 miles (1,480 nautical miles) further while carrying four passengers, 440 miles further than the CJ1.
The cabin of the CJ2+ is almost identical to the cabin of the CJ2. Seats are available for six passengers, which can track into the aisle and away from the sidewalls for greater comfort. Folding side tables are available for all seats and can be stored in the side walls. All seats are equipped with a 110-volt power supply and a fax/data port for increased productivity in flight. The CJ2+ was redesigned with extra soundproofing for a quieter flight. An emergency exit is located over the right wing and the twenty two cubic foot emergency oxygen system comes standard. The three baggage compartments can carry a total of 1,100 pounds of luggage, all but 100 of which can be stored outside the cabin for increased passenger comfort.
The CJ2+ maintains the tradition of the private jet Citation line: economy, simplicity, and performance. Its operating costs are just as low as the original Citation Jet, but it offers a lot more range and a faster cruise speed. Examples of possible nonstop trips include Washington, DC to Denver or Seattle to Oklahoma City.
