New airplane development programs are full of surprises, and rarely are they pleasant. But Cessna is enjoying the unexpected with its new CJ3 that is proving to be better than design goals in each of the important categories. Most importantly, the CJ3 came in below the target empty weight when fully equipped. When an airplane weighs less than expected, good things flow to all performance parameters. Because it weighs less it can climb faster, which means it gets to fuel-friendly altitudes quicker, which means it can fly further on the same amount of fuel. Runway requirements shrink at lighter weights because you need less fuel to fly the same trip. And a lower empty weight means more people and stuff can fly further without exceeding maximum takeoff weight.
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