Cessna Citation CJ2

When Cessna redesigned their popular CJ1 private jet, known for its low operating costs and high performance, the result was the CJ2: bigger, faster, and better. The cabin stretched an additional thirty-three inches, the wingspan stretched an additional thirty-five. Its cruise speed outdoes the CJ by thirty knots with a significantly reduced fuel burn.

The design goals of the Citation Jet series can be summed up in three words: simplicity, economy, and performance. 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.

The CJ2 is quite fuel-efficient, with an average fuel burn of 140 gallons per hour. It reaches its long range cruise speed of 352 knots. Its high speed cruise is just over 400 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 thousand 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. The alterations to its predecessor, CJ1, including the payload capacity and maximum takeoff weight, resulted in better range/payload flexibility, subsequently offering 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) while carrying four passengers, 440 miles further than the CJ1.

The cabin typically holds six passengers and has a total volume of 243 cubic feet. Its three baggage compartments can carry a total of 1,100 pounds of luggage, all but 100 of which can be stored externally for a less cramped cabin. The cabin is 50 cubic feet larger than the cabin of the CJ1, allowing for an additional seat.

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.