Specifications and Performance

The Cessna Citation Mustang, a light jet introduced by Cessna in 2007 boasts a normal cruise speed of 340 knots and a tanks full range of 1,141 nautical miles. It features a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F engines delivering a combined thrust of 2,820 lbs. The Mustang accommodates four passengers, with an optional single side-facing seat, and single pilot operations.

The HondaJet, on the other hand, entered the private jet market in 2016 with a unique over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) design, which is significant differentiator from all other entry level jets. This jet has a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots and a tanks full range of 1,437 nautical miles, outpacing the Citation Mustang in both speed and range. Powered by a pair of GE Honda Aero HF120 Engines, each providing 2,050 lbs. of thrust. The HondaJet seats four passengers in a club configuration, with a side-facing fifth seat and optional belted toilet, and single pilot operations.

Avionics

The Citation Mustang comes with the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite, which delivers excellent functionality but is now considered a bit outdated compared to more recent systems. The Mustang's avionics are equipped with dual Garmin GDU 1040 displays for primary flight display and multifunction display, giving pilots a comprehensive overview of the flight data.

HondaJet, however, brings forward the latest iteration of Garmin avionics, the advanced G3000 suite with two touch screen controllers, presenting a step-up in technology. The G3000 avionics system has three 14-inch, high-resolution touchscreen displays, providing pilots with an intuitive and highly user-friendly interface.

Cabin Interior
Although the Mustang offers a reasonably comfortable environment, the HondaJet allows for significantly more leg room due to a longer cabin and articulating seats. The HondaJet also offers a fully enclosed externally serviceable lavatory with hard door and sink with running water ensuring a more luxurious experience.

Design
The most significant differentiator between the HondaJet and the Mustang is Honda Aircraft Company’s development of Over-The-Engine-Mount (OTWEM) technology. Moving the engines off the fuselage and placing them on top of the wing allows for more cabin space, a reduction in cabin noise, and more efficient aerodynamics improving speed, range, service ceiling, and fuel efficiency resulting in reduced operating costs.

Maintenance

Both the Mustang and the HondaJet are known for their reliability, and ease of maintenance. The HondaJet was designed with a focus on consolidating maintenance events to a 600 hour interval, while the Mustang is maintained with multiple DOC inspections over shorter intervals. Also, both aircraft have proven reliable engines, with the HondaJet HF120 engine incorporating a 5,000-hour overhaul schedule vs. 3,500-hours on the Mustangs PW615F engines.

Conclusion
While the Cessna Citation Mustang is an excellent entry-level jet that has served the market well, the HondaJet delivers improvements in several crucial areas, including speed, range, technology, comfort, noise level, and efficiency. These enhancements make the HondaJet an excellent choice