(August 23, 2004) - Cessna says its CJ3 will be first aircraft in its class to integrate electronic charts with its flight management system (FMS) performance database. According to Cessna, the CJ3's Collins Pro Line 21 system will display the airplane’s position on approach and airport diagrams while also showing departure and arrival procedures as well as enhanced map overlays with airspace boundaries and high and low federal airways. In other words, the CJ3's avionics system will display current aeronautical charts and airways, as an option, on an 8-inch by 10-inch multi-function display (MFD). First flight of the CJ3 prototype was on April 17, 2004; FAA certification and first deliveries are expected during the fourth quarter of 2004.

The standard CJ3 avionics package will include Collins FMS-3000, dual Radio Tuning Units (RTUs), digital Comm and Nav radios, digital audio control panels, Goodrich Skywatch HP TCAS I, Goodrich Landmark Class B TAWS, Goodrich GH-3000 ESFD and a Smiths EHSI. The CJ3 is designed for single-pilot operation and has a maximum cruise speed of 417 knots at FL330. The CJ3 will be RVSM equipped, and initial RVSM certification tests have been completed. Cessna has at leas 100 orders for the CJ3 in hand.

Meanwhile, Cessna has begun building the Citation Mustang prototype’s tooling and parts. According to the company, more than 3,600 parts have been produced for the prototype and ground test articles. Cessna anticipates the first Citation Mustang prototype to be completed next year, with the first flight in the second quarter of 2005. "The Citation Mustang program is on schedule," said Program Manager Russ Meyer III. "We have selected approximately 80 percent of the Citation Mustang’s suppliers through our supplier source selection process, and expect to name the remaining 20 percent by the end of 2004," he added. Its worth pointing out that Cessna claims the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW615F engine has logged over 80 hours of flight time since its first flight on April 27, 2004.