Cessna flew the first production Citation CJ4, S/N001, on August 19, a little more than three months after the first flight of the prototype. Production S/N 001 will fly avionics and systems certification tests, and S/N 002 will be used for function and reliability testing and company service tests. The prototype has completed systems verification flight tests, including speed brakes and flaps, and has been cleared throughout its full flight envelope, according to Cessna. “Certification tests for the prototype and production airframes are on schedule to begin later this year,” Cessna said. FAA certification is planned in the second half of next year, with first deliveries to follow in the first half of 2010. EASA certification should be concurrent.

Cessna supplier AvCorp reported that it signed an agreement worth about $110 million during the first 10 years of the life of the aircraft to supply CJ4 tail assemblies, including detail tooling fabrication, manufacture, assembly, product support and spares. AvCorp, based in Delta, British Columbia, also supplies the wing structural subassembly for Honda Aircraft’s HondaJet.