These 8 light business jets are the best in the skies – Robb Report

Embraer Phenom 300

The Phenom 300 jet is light but has a heavy schedule, which explains its popularity. The jet, which he received FAA type certification in 2009, is the best-selling small jet in the world, with 744 in the fleet. Certified for single-pilot operation and capable of carrying up to 11 passengers, the 300 is powered by two Pratt & Jet aircraft. Whitney Canada 535E turbofan engine. It has a range of 1,971 nautical miles, a maximum cruising speed of 451 knots, and a ceiling height of 45,000 feet. In the cockpit he is equipped with a Garmin G3000 display, and 2020 upgrades include improved windshear predictive recognition, stable approach capabilities, and a runway overrun recognition and warning system (developed by Embraer). Contains avionics. The cabin features configurations that can include recessed aisle club seats, swivel seats, and transverse banquettes, all major league features for light jets.

Special features:

—Garmin G3000 avionics with enhanced safety features
– Club seat feature, rotating seat, optional divan

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2

Textron Aviation, Cessna Citation’s parent company, reports that more than 5,000 Cessna Citation jets are taking to the skies around the world, including such notables as the M2 Gen2, CJ3 Gen2, and the recently upgraded CJ4 Gen2.

The Cessna Citation CJ4, also known as the Model 525C, was first introduced as a production model in 2008, but the latest upgrades for 2021 include a more ergonomic interior that brings the features and functionality of a larger aircraft. It combines the performance efficiency of a light jet.

The redesigned staircase provides a lower passenger entrance, handrail support, and customizable logo lighting. The CJ4 Gen2 supports a refreshment center and galley with improved storage options, new cabin seating options and enhanced lighting. A CoolView lavatory skylight provides more natural lighting to the rear area of ​​the cabin. The interior also features an upgraded wireless cabin management system with an onboard media server to stream preloaded audio and video, access XM satellite radio, and display moving maps. Passengers can use wireless mobile devices to control cabin lighting, blinds, and temperature. Powered by his two Williams International FJ44-4A (FADEC) engines, the CJ4 Gen2 has a maximum cruising speed of 451 knots. Maximum range is 1,926 nautical miles. The CJ4 Gen2 is certified for operation by his one pilot and can accommodate up to 10 passengers.

Special features:

—Refreshment center with galley and new seating options
—Upgraded wireless cabin management system with onboard media server, moving map display, and access to XM satellite radio

Gulfstream G280

First introduced in 2009 and FAA certified in 2012, the Gulfstream G280 offers significant aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, safety and comfort upgrades over its predecessor, the G200. In particular, the redesigned airfoil improves the G280’s takeoff, landing, and climb capabilities. The Gulfstream G280 is powered by two Honeywell HTF725OG engines that provide high speed cruising speeds of Mach 0.84. It has a range of 3,600 nautical miles and can fly from New York to London. However, the takeoff distance is 4,750 feet. The flight deck is equipped with PlaneView280, a fully integrated visual environment for improved situational awareness.
The G280’s living area can be configured to accommodate up to 10 passengers, and the cabin can comfortably sleep 5 people. All interior configurations include a galley, full-size closet, luggage compartment, and spacious washroom with two windows.

Special features:

—Transatlantic range from New York to London
—Lowest cabin altitude pressurization in its class

Pilatus PC-24

There’s a reason this jet is called a “super-versatile jet.” The Pilatus PC-24 not only has short runway capability, but can also operate on grass, gravel, dirt, and even snow. Accommodating up to six passengers and certified for single pilot operation, the latest Pilatus PC-24 features an integrated cabin management system with controller, 3D moving map, improved audio, mood lighting, media storage, Different ways to connect your personal devices during flight. The interior also includes a transverse divan that passengers can use as a bed. Easily add or remove seats based on mission objectives. The PC-24 is powered by a William International FJ44-4A turbofan and has a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots, and a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles. In particular, his redesigned PC-24 increased its fully fueled payload from 600 pounds to 1,300 pounds, bringing its overall payload to 3,100 pounds. Pilatus ACET includes synthetic vision, autothrottle, graphic flight planning, and traffic collision avoidance systems.

Special features:

—Short runway allows landing on grass, gravel, and snow
— Integrated cabin management system with controller, 3D moving map and mood lighting

Cessna Citation Encore+

Citation’s Encore and Encore+ models were the preeminent light jets of the early 2000s due to their combination of form and function. Introduced in 1998 and delivered in 2000, the Citation Encore had a range of 1,600 nautical miles, allowing him to fly nonstop from New York to Miami.

In 2007, the Encore+ replaced the previous model with upgraded engines and avionics. The Encore+ is powered by a FADEC Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535B engine. Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics helped improve situational awareness during flight. This jet is certified for his nine-person crew and can be configured for one or two pilots. The Encore’s cabin length was also 17.3 feet, making it one of the largest in the light jet category. 14 large windows provide plenty of natural light for passengers and pilots. The Encore+ remained in production until 2009, and the Encore continues to be a popular model for both private ownership and charter use.

Special features:

—One of the longest cabins in the light jet category
—This model is popular due to its size and lineup.

Stratos 716X

First introduced in 2008, the Stratos 716 is now a six-seat experimental jet kit that delivers range, speed, and payload performance with a single-engine Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turboprop. “We combine the range and speed of a high-performance twin-engine jet with the short takeoff capability of a single-engine turboprop,” said Karsten Sundin, president and co-founder of Stratos. Rob report.

The Stratos uses a carbon fiber body that optimizes aerodynamics with a custom airfoil. Initial cruising speed is 380 knots and her sailing ceiling is 41,000 feet. The Stratos has a short takeoff capability (2,890 feet above sea level) that pilots appreciate. This six-seater aircraft can accommodate 15 cubic feet of external storage space and her 7 cubic feet of in-cab storage space.

The Stratos currently uses Garmin G3X avionics, but plans for an eventual FAA-certified version of the 716X will see upgraded engine capabilities and avionics.

Special features:

– Carbon fiber body and custom airfoil
—Functions of short-range takeoff fields

Hawker 400XL

The Hawker 400XP’s pedigree is both innovative and complex as it stands out in its 30-year history as the best-selling small business jet. Debuting in 1978 as the Mitsubishi Diamond, the aircraft was sold to Beechcraft in the 1980s. After a redesign, it was renamed Beech Jet 400 and in 1986 he was certified by the FAA. In 1993 Raytheon acquired Hawker Business His jet and reintroduced it ten years later, renamed the 400XP and with increased gross weight and range. In the difficult economic climate of 2009, the new parent company decided to end production of his 400XP in his 2010. The jet has a range of 1,465 nautical miles and a maximum cruising speed of 450 knots. Innovations during the heyday included his three-dimensional airflow technology to improve performance, with double-slotted hydraulic Fowler flaps allowing landing speeds as low as 105 knots. The cabin’s square oval design increases passenger comfort. Many of his 400XPs are still in service today, and the twin-engine light business jet maintains a reputation for comfort, versatility, and low operating costs.

Special features:

—3D airflow technology for improved performance
—Hydraulic Fowler flaps for low-speed landings

Learjet 35

For parent company Bombardier, the Learjet 35 was arguably the most popular of Learjet’s aircraft, including the early Learjet 23. It has been FAA certified for 50 years and has served in many roles in personal, business, and military transportation. The Learjet 35 was equipped with two Honeywell TFE731-2 engines and had a maximum airspeed of 451 knots and a range of 2,125 nautical miles. Unit 35 could accommodate two crew members and eight passengers. As part of that evolution, an upgraded Learjet 35A debuted in his 1976, with a pair of his TFE731-2-2B engines extending his range to 4,789 miles. In 1996, four pilots flew the 35A and set a world record in 49 hours, 21 minutes, and 8 seconds. Although the record has since been broken, this jet is considered one of the fastest jets of its time. A total of 738 aircraft were produced from 1973 to 1994.

Special features:

– Considered one of the fastest light jets during its production period in the 1970s and 80s.
— 738 units produced from 1973 to 1984