Light Jet
Cessna Citation CJ4
Range
1,927 NM
Cruise speed
442 kts
Seats
8
History
Cessna announced the CJ4 programme at NBAA in October 2006. It is the biggest of the CitationJet models, developed by stretching the CJ3, and it offers more cabin space and longer range than that aircraft. It fills the gap between the CJ3 and the bigger Citation models while staying more accessible than they are.
The first prototype took off from McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, on 5 May 2008. Compared with the smaller CJ variants it brought upgraded systems and performance, while keeping the straightforward operation the family is known for. Certification came next, and deliveries started in 2010.
In 2011 the programme met a setback when the FAA required action on the original lithium-ion battery through an airworthiness directive. Cessna dealt with the problem quickly and normal operations resumed. The CJ4 went on to rank among the most successful light jets Cessna has built, and it forms part of the Citation family, the largest business jet fleet in the world.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Aircraft category | light jet |
| ICAO Designator | C25C |
| Start/End of Production | 2010 - 2020 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 1927 NM (3569 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 2165 NM (4010 km) |
| Cruise speed | 442 kts (819 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 305 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.77 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 390 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 112 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1040 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 900 m |
| Rate of Climb | 3854 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 ft |
| Thrust | 3621 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 16.3 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 4.7 m |
| Wing span | 15.49 m |
| Cabin height | 1.42 m (4.67 ft) |
| Cabin length | 5.26 m (17.25 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.42 m (4.67 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 2.2 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 8 |
| Seats (max) | 9 |
| Suitcases | 6 |
| Carry-on luggage | 7 |
| Maximum payload | 1000 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 7750 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 7100 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 3300 L |
FAQ
Is the Citation CJ4 suited to small airports?
Yes. It was designed to use short runways, so it can serve airports that larger jets cannot. It is approved for London City, which requires steep-approach certification, and it also flies into airports such as Lugano and Cannes Mandelieu. Landing closer to a resort, business district or remote destination cuts the time spent on ground transfers.
Citation CJ4 or Embraer Phenom 300: how do they compare?
On paper they are close. The Phenom 300 flies a little further, 2,010 nautical miles against 1,927 for the CJ4, and cruises marginally faster at 444 knots against 442. Clients often pick the CJ4 for its passenger capacity and avionics, and the Phenom 300 for its efficiency and lower running costs.
What do the CJ4 Gen2 and Gen3 versions add?
The Gen2 brought a refreshed cabin, with better lighting, updated seats and a redesigned entry area. The Gen3 adds autothrottles, Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and safety systems including Emergency Autoland. These changes lighten the pilots' workload and give passengers extra reassurance, so ask your advisor which version a quote is based on.
How far can a Citation CJ4 fly non-stop?
Its range with IFR reserves is 1,927 nautical miles (3,569 km). That covers routes such as Paris to Istanbul or London to Athens without refuelling, which suits the CJ4 to regional trips and medium-haul business flights. Passenger numbers and winds affect the margin on the longest legs.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Citation CJ4 type, not a specific aircraft. Cessna and Citation CJ4 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.