Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation CJ4 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation)
Cessna Citation CJ4 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The original Cessna Citation CJ4 (Model 525C), produced from 2010 to 2020, is the largest and most-capable CJ family member, distinguished from earlier CJs by a moderately swept wing derived from the Citation Sovereign. Powered by twin Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans producing 3,621 lbf each with dual-channel FADEC, the original CJ4 delivers 2,165 nautical miles of range, Mach 0.77 maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling with single-pilot certification. By April 2023 the 400th CJ4 family aircraft had been delivered. Pre-owned market today: $5.5 to $8 million.
For owner-operators wanting near-midsize jet capability in a single-pilot certified airframe, the original CJ4 remains one of the most capable light jets ever built.
Citation CJ4 (Original) Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production (top of CJ family) |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2020 (replaced by CJ4 Gen2) |
| Launched at NBAA | October 2006 |
| First Flight | May 5, 2008 (McConnell AFB, Wichita) |
| FAA Type Certification | March 2010 |
| First Delivery | 2010 |
| Model Designation | Cessna 525C |
| 400th CJ4 Family Delivered | April 2023 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 to 10 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,165 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,625 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.77 (~451 ktas) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Pressurization | 9.0 psi |
| Engines | 2× Williams International FJ44-4A |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,621 lbf (7,242 lbf total) |
| Engine Control | Dual-channel FADEC |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 (4× 8x10" displays) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 17,110 lbs |
| Empty Weight (typical) | 10,280 lbs |
| Wing Sweep | 12.5° leading edge |
| Cabin Length | 17.3 ft (21 inches longer than CJ3) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 77 cu ft (71 external + 6 internal) |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,410 ft |
| Original Price (peak) | $9,200,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $5,500,000 to $8,000,000 |
History and the Moderately Swept Wing
The CJ4 was launched at the October 2006 NBAA convention as Cessna's largest CJ to date. Cessna made a strategic design decision: rather than using the natural laminar flow wing common to all prior CJs, the CJ4 received a moderately swept wing derived from the much-larger Citation Sovereign midsize jet.
Platform timeline:
- October 2006: CJ4 launched at NBAA
- May 5, 2008: First flight at McConnell AFB
- March 2010: FAA type certification
- 2010: First customer deliveries
- 2011: Temporary FAA grounding due to original Lithium-ion battery fires (airworthiness directive issued)
- 2020: Production end (replaced by CJ4 Gen2)
- February 2021: CJ4 Gen2 entered service
- April 2023: 400th CJ4 family aircraft delivered
The CJ4 is "nearly a separate type rating" from the rest of the CJ family due to the swept wing, different hydraulic system, heated windshield, and substantially more power. The CJ4 is the only CJ with a Vne of 305 knots and Mmo of 0.77.
Exterior Dimensions
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 53 ft 4 in |
| Wingspan | 50 ft 10 in |
| Height | 15 ft 5 in |
Cabin Interior
The CJ4 cabin is 21 inches longer than the CJ3 and 17.3 ft total, the largest cabin in the CJ family:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17.3 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Pressurization | 9.0 psi |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 8-Passenger: Forward side-facing divan, 4-chair club, 2 forward-facing chairs
- 9-Passenger Optional: Replaces divan with chairs (reduces gross weight 10.4 lbs)
- Up to 10 Total Occupants: With cockpit jumpseat and belted lavatory
Cabin Features
- Forward refreshment center: Ice, coffee, cups, water, snacks
- Aft externally-serviced lavatory: With privacy door
- Collins Venue entertainment system: Blu-ray, DVD, CD, digital media (100GB)
- Customizable LED lighting: All-cabin control
- Two portable monitors: Docking stations at individual seats
- Mobile connectivity (Gogo): U.S. coverage
- Cobham Inmarsat SwiftBroadband: Optional international coverage
- Improved soundproofing: Particularly on Gen2
Baggage Capacity
77 cubic feet total:
- Nose baggage: 15 cu ft, 400 lb capacity
- Tail baggage: 55.6 cu ft, 600 lb capacity
- Internal storage: 6 cu ft
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.77 (451 ktas, up to 521 mph in ideal conditions) |
| Block Speed | 410 to 420 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,165 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,625 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Payload With Full Fuel | 987 lbs |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,410 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,038 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - achievable with light load
- New York to London (3,000 nm) - not achievable
- Chicago to Seattle (1,486 nm) - comfortable
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm) - comfortable
- London to Cairo (1,977 nm) - comfortable
Engines and Systems
Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, each producing 3,621 lbf of thrust (7,242 lbf total) with dual-channel FADEC. The FJ44-4A is the most-powerful engine in the FJ44 family.
Key systems:
- Three-spar wings: 12.5° leading edge sweep
- Hinged flaps: Three positions (retracted, takeoff, landing)
- Speed brakes: 40° extension, usable at any speed
- Fuel capacity: 5,828 lbs (870 gallons)
- Fuel-oil heat exchanger: No icing inhibitor required
- Heated windshield: Standard (different from rest of CJ family)
- Different hydraulic system: Compared to lighter CJs
- Single-point pressure refueling: Standard
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 in fully integrated configuration:
- Four 8" × 10" LCD displays: Primary flight, multi-function, EICAS
- Dual Control Display Units (CDUs): Forward of throttle quadrant
- FMS v4.0 with WAAS capability: Standard or upgrade
- IFIS v6.0: Display improvements, temporary flight restrictions, winds aloft
- Graphical weather: Standard
- Traffic surveillance: Standard
- Electronic charts: Standard
- Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS): Standard
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~180 gph) | $1,260 to $1,620 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $800 to $1,000 |
| Insurance (apportioned) | $400 to $600 |
| Misc Variable | $300 to $500 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,760 to $3,720/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.0 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,000 to $4,000 per flight hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2018 to 2020 CJ4 (final original production) | $7,500,000 to $8,000,000 |
| 2014 to 2017 CJ4 | $6,500,000 to $7,500,000 |
| 2010 to 2013 CJ4 | $5,500,000 to $6,500,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transcontinental Owner-Operators: 2,165 nm range covers U.S. coast-to-coast
- 8-9 Passenger Corporate Operations: Largest CJ cabin
- Charter Operators: Strong demand for capable single-pilot jets
- Step-Up From CJ3: Same family pilot pool, much more capability
Less suited if:
- You need stand-up cabin (consider Phenom 300 or midsize)
- You require Garmin G3000 (consider CJ4 Gen2 or Phenom 300E)
- You want simpler systems (consider lighter CJ variants)
CJ4 vs Direct Competitors
| Feature | CJ4 (Original) | Phenom 300 (Original) | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | FJ44-4A (3,621 lbf) | PW535E (3,360 lbf) | PW545B (3,420 lbf) |
| Range (4 pax NBAA IFR) | 2,165 nm | 1,971 nm | 2,000 nm |
| Max Cruise | Mach 0.77 (451 ktas) | Mach 0.78 (446 ktas) | Mach 0.74 |
| Cabin Width | 58 in | 61 in (Oval Lite) | 67 in (flat floor) |
| Passenger Max | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Pre-Owned Price (current) | $5.5M to $8M | $4.5M to $8M | New only |
Pros and Cons
What the Original CJ4 Does Well
- 2,165 nm transcontinental range
- Largest cabin in CJ family
- Moderately swept Sovereign-derived wing for speed
- Williams FJ44-4A: most powerful FJ44 variant
- Dual-channel FADEC
- Single-pilot certified
- Robust 9.0 psi pressurization
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Pro Line 21 dated vs Garmin G3000 in CJ4 Gen2
- More complex than lighter CJs (different hydraulics, heated windshield)
- Predominantly corporate operated (vs owner-flown)
- Cabin width still 58 inches
- 180 gph fuel burn
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the original Citation CJ4 fly?
The original CJ4 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 2,165 nautical miles with four passengers, covering most U.S. transcontinental missions.
Is the original CJ4 single-pilot certified?
Yes.
How is the CJ4 different from other CJs?
The CJ4 is the only CJ family member with a moderately swept wing (12.5° leading edge sweep) derived from the Citation Sovereign, different hydraulic system, heated windshield, and the FJ44-4A engine producing significantly more thrust than other CJ variants.
How is the original CJ4 different from the CJ4 Gen2?
The CJ4 Gen2 (February 2021) introduced refined cabin styling, similar avionics and autothrottle upgrades as the M2 Gen2 and CJ3 Gen2 introduced. The Gen2 retained the same FJ44-4A engines and airframe.
What engines power the CJ4?
Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, each producing 3,621 lbf of thrust with dual-channel FADEC.
How many CJ4 aircraft have been built?
By April 2023, the 400th CJ4 family aircraft was delivered. The original CJ4 (2010-2020) represents roughly 300 of those aircraft.
Can the CJ4 fly transcontinental in the U.S.?
Yes. With four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves, the CJ4 can fly New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) nonstop in favorable conditions.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is the most-capable CJ family member ever built, combining transcontinental range, large cabin, and the powerful Williams FJ44-4A engine. At pre-owned pricing of $5.5 to $8 million, the original CJ4 delivers near-midsize-jet capability in a single-pilot certified airframe at substantially lower acquisition cost. The moderately swept wing, dual-channel FADEC, and 9.0 psi pressurization make the CJ4 a genuine corporate flight department aircraft that also serves owner-operators well.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for CJ4 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine program enrollment and battery replacement history.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation CJ3 (Original): Smaller Sibling
- Citation CJ4 Gen2: Current Production Successor
- Phenom 300 (Original): Direct Competitor
- Pilatus PC-24: Direct Competitor
Production of the original Citation CJ4 ended in 2020. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.