Cessna Citation CJ1+ Specifications

At the risk of stating the obvious, the CJ1+ is the enhanced version of the CJ1. Most private jets that are recreated in a “bigger and better” design are nearly identical to the original jets. The CJ1+ is no exception to this rule, but it does have some valuable upgrades. The already-low operating cost of the CJ1 was slashed to become the lowest operating cost of any comparable turboprop, and small upgrades on the engines and the increase of usable payload make a big difference.

The CJ1+ is an extremely fuel-efficient private jet, burning an average of 132 gallons per hour, a fuel consumption slightly lower than the CJ1, even though the CJ1+ has a slightly higher payload than the original CJ1.

The economy of the fuel burn can be largely attributed to Cessna’s choice of engines: two Williams FJ44-1AP engines. These deliver a little more thrust on takeoff than their predecessors, the FJ44-1As. Natural laminar flow wings are still used in the CJ1+ due to their success in the previous Citation line. They took four years to design in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA, but were well worth the delay. The natural laminar flow wing delays the onset of flow separation longer, which improves the lift-to-drag characteristics ten to fifteen percent when compared to previous straight-wing designs.

Another of the CJ1+’s strong points also contributes to its low operating cost: the simplicity (but reliability) of its flight systems. Its cockpit has been significantly improved from the CJ1 to offer the latest technology for situational awareness and FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls). It uses the Pro Line 21 avionics package, complete with PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multi Function Display) flat-panel screens. The CJ1 was the first private business jet to be equipped with these screens.

The CJ1+ is designed to be as easy to fly as possible. Many of its systems are automatic, from deicing to cabin pressurization. Engine bleed air is used for anti-ice protection on the wing edge and engine, as well as rain removal on the windshield, cabin pressurization, and heating. An automatic cycling system controls pneumatic deice boots for protection of the horizontal tail. The benefit of having such simple operational requirements is that it this private jet can generally be operated by a single pilot, which provides excellent flexibility in flight operations.

Despite the CJ1+’s economy in flight, it allows for a surprisingly high payload. Its three baggage compartments can carry a total of 832 pounds of luggage. The CJ1+ was specifically designed to be able to easily operate from a 4,000 foot runway under the most difficult conditions – high temperature and elevation, and maximum loading capacity. The engineers used a new tail assembly to reduce the overall weight and size of the airplane without reducing cabin size.

The CJ1+ has a significantly increased payload capacity in comparison to the original CJ. Its maximum take-off weight is 300 pounds heavier than the original Citation Jet. Its maximum fuel weight also increased by 300 pounds. These alterations resulted in better maximum range/payload flexibility, offering owners more options in flight planning. Despite the increase in overall weight, the CJ1+ is faster than the Citation Jet. One of its biggest performance improvements is its climb rate: it took 59 minutes for the CJ1 to climb to 41,000 feet; the CJ1+ can climb to the same altitude in only 32 minutes.

The cabin of the CJ1+ is almost identical to that of the CJ1. It holds five seats in a club arrangement, with one side-facing seat. Like its predecessor, it has a fully-enclosed lavatory, small galley, and fold-out work tables. Increased soundproofing techniques make flights quieter. Entertainment systems can be added as desired.

The CJ1+ is ideal for small companies and individuals looking for an economical private jet for short-range missions, usually a little over one hour. Possible nonstop flights with maximum passengers include Los Angeles to Aspen and Washington, D.C. to Miami.