Cessna Citation CJ3

The light jet built to extend the CJ family’s range and performance.

Cessna “Citation” CJ3 Business Jet © Robert Sullivan

Overview

Cessna United States ICAO: C25B 2004–Present Active $5.5 million (2014)

The Citation CJ3 expanded Cessna’s light jet lineup with greater range and improved systems. Entering service in the mid-2000s, it bridged the gap between entry-level jets and midsize models. The aircraft combined increased cabin length with enhanced avionics.

Live Fleet Activity (C25B)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Williams FJ44-3A engines
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 2,820 lbf · 13 kN
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
8
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 11 in  ·  1.50 m
Cabin height
4 ft 11 in  ·  1.49 m
Cabin length
15 ft 9 in  ·  4.80 m
Exterior length
42 ft 7 in  ·  12.98 m
Tail height
15 ft 1 in  ·  4.60 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
53 ft 2 in  ·  16.20 m
Baggage volume
64 ft³  ·  1.8 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
13,900 lb  ·  6,300 kg
Max landing weight
12,700 lb  ·  5,800 kg
Max payload
1,950 lb  ·  900 kg
Fuel capacity
560 gal · 2,100 L · 1,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
417 kt  ·  480 mph  ·  772 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
100 kt  ·  115 mph  ·  185 km/h
Range
2,040 nm  ·  2,350 mi  ·  3,780 km
Fuel burn
2.70 nm/gal  ·  1.32 km/L
Ceiling
45,000 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
4,478 ft/min  ·  23 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,200 ft  ·  970 m
Landing distance
2,750 ft  ·  840 m
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Cessna 525B Citation Jet CJ3

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Operational Context

Cessna Citation CJ3 — extended-range light business jet

The CJ3 first flew in 2004 and entered service in 2005. It featured a longer fuselage and updated cockpit systems compared with earlier CJ variants. The design preserved single-pilot certification while increasing performance margins.

Two Williams FJ44 engines, each producing approximately 2,820 pounds of thrust (12.5 kN), power the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 415 knots (769 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 13,800 pounds (6,260 kg), with range near 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 km).

The CJ3 became widely adopted in corporate and charter roles. Its blend of speed, range, and operating efficiency strengthened the Citation family’s market position. Updated variants continue in production.