Citation CJ3 / CJ3+
Best-balanced aircraft in the CJ family — speed, range, payload, and cabin in one efficient package
Overview
The Citation CJ3 and CJ3+ are among the most capable and popular aircraft in the Citation 525 family, offering a larger cabin, strong runway performance, excellent range, and single-pilot capability in a highly efficient light jet. For many owners, the CJ3 represents the sweet spot of the CJ lineup: meaningfully more cabin and range than a CJ2/CJ2+, without stepping into the size, cost, and complexity of larger aircraft.
The original Citation CJ3, produced beginning in 2004 with approximately 412–413 aircraft built through 2014/2015, stretched the cabin approximately two feet over the CJ2 while retaining the familiar 525-series cross-section of approximately 57 inches high and 58 inches wide. That additional length makes the cabin noticeably more comfortable for passengers, especially on longer missions, while preserving the simple systems and efficient Williams-powered operating profile that define the CJ series. The CJ3 was delivered with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.
The CJ3 is widely regarded as one of the best-balanced aircraft in the CJ family, with a rare combination of speed, range, payload, cabin comfort, and operating efficiency. Published and observed cruise figures place the CJ3 in the 415–416-knot class at FL450, and real-world planning often falls in the 1,200–1,500 nautical mile range depending on passenger load, reserves, routing, winds, temperature, and climb profile. Published maximum-range figures are higher and assume ideal long-range cruise at light weights, so in real service the CJ3 is not a 2,000-nm airplane.
The Citation CJ3+ updated the same proven airframe with Garmin G3000 avionics and a refreshed cabin, making it especially attractive to buyers who want CJ3 performance with a more modern cockpit and interior. Later CJ3 Gen2 and CJ3 Gen3 aircraft continue that progression with additional cabin, connectivity, and avionics enhancements. Textron lists the current CJ3 Gen3 at 416 KTAS maximum cruise, 2,040 nm maximum range, FL450 maximum operating altitude, and Williams FJ44-3A engines producing 2,820 lb of thrust each.
Baggage capacity is one of the CJ3 family's genuine strengths. The aircraft offers approximately 65 cubic feet of baggage space with a 1,000-pound weight capacity — commonly split between a 400-pound forward compartment and a 600-pound aft compartment — making it practical for owners carrying passengers with real luggage on real trips. Fuel burn is commonly planned around the 150-GPH class, but varies with altitude, weight, temperature, power setting, climb profile, and mission length.
Typical seating includes 2 cockpit seats, 4 club, 2 forward-facing, 1 side-facing, and an optional belted lavatory, with configurations supporting up to 9 passengers.
Key features
- Larger 525-series cabin, approximately 15 ft 8 in long
- Same 57 in cabin height and 58 in cabin width common to the CJ series
- Single-pilot certified with FL450 service ceiling
- Williams FJ44-3A engines; 2,820 lb thrust each on current CJ3 Gen3
- CJ3: Collins Pro Line 21 avionics; approx. 412–413 produced (2004–2014/15)
- CJ3+: Garmin G3000 avionics and refreshed cabin; continued Gen2/Gen3 production
- Current CJ3 Gen3: 416 KTAS max cruise / 2,040 nm published max range
- Practical mission planning commonly 1,200–1,500 nm depending on conditions
- Approximately 65 cu ft / 1,000 lb baggage capacity (400 lb forward / 600 lb aft)
- Fuel burn commonly planned around the 150-GPH class; varies by mission profile
- Strong range/payload flexibility compared with CJ2/CJ2+
- Excellent owner-pilot, corporate, and small flight department aircraft
Specifications
Published manufacturer figures, shown for comparison. Range is NBAA IFR / manufacturer data and runs optimistic; ask us for real-world numbers at your mission weights.
Dimensions
| Length | 51 ft 2 in |
| Wingspan | 53 ft 3 in |
| Tail height | 15 ft 2 in |
| Cabin length | 15 ft 8 in |
| Cabin width | 4 ft 10 in |
| Cabin height | 4 ft 9 in |
Weights & capacities
| Max ramp weight | 14,070 lb |
| Max takeoff weight | 13,870 lb |
| Max landing weight | 12,750 lb |
| Zero fuel weight | 10,675 lb |
| Empty weight | 8,540 lb |
| Usable fuel | 4,710 lb |
| Baggage capacity | 65 cu ft |