Cessna is close to completing flight tests of the Citation CJ3 after making several minor flight-control modifications, but says certification has slipped into the third quarter of 2004 largely because of development problems with the aircraft's 2,780lb thrust (12.4kN) Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan.
"Engine certification has been a challenge," admits the team.
Three aircraft have been involved in the effort, which began in April 2003 with the first flight of the prototype P1. Modifications including reprofiling the leading edge of ailerons to correct excessive roll forces, and a "cut-back" to the centre of gravity envelope to combat "unacceptable" roll-off from stalls at light weights.
Source: Flight International