THREE LIGHT JETS NOW IN CONCURRENT FLIGHT TEST

Textron Aviation has announced that the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype has completed its first flight, advancing the light jet towards certification. Departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock focused on testing cockpit software functionality during the initial flight of nearly two hours, with the aircraft reaching a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 278 knots indicated.

With this milestone, all three next-generation Citation light jets are now in flight testing. Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President for Engineering and Programs, said the achievement continued the forward momentum of the CJ3 Gen3 programme and reflected the discipline, innovation and commitment of the team, and that comprehensive flight testing would now begin with rigorous validation of performance as the company works towards FAA certification and entry into service. Helmer, the flight test pilot, said the aircraft had demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance expected from take-off to landing, and that the first flight validated months of preparation and provided a foundation as testing expands.

EMERGENCY AUTOLAND ACROSS THE LIGHT JET PORTFOLIO

The defining capability of the Gen3 designation is the addition of Garmin Emergency Autoland to the Garmin G3000 avionics platform. Emergency Autoland activates in the event of pilot incapacitation, navigating the aircraft to a suitable airport, communicating with air traffic control and executing the approach and landing without crew input. Its extension across all three Citation light jets is notable in the context of the single-pilot operations common in this category, where the absence of a second qualified pilot has historically been the segment’s principal safety exposure. Textron Aviation has been progressively introducing the capability across its portfolio, and the CJ3 Gen3 first flight indicates the concurrent rather than sequential development of the three variants.

Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing, said the Citation CJ3 Gen3 built on what customers valued about the CJ3 family while incorporating technology they had asked for to make flying more intuitive, citing the advanced Garmin avionics and a refined cabin experience as reflecting a commitment to delivering practical innovations.

SPECIFICATION

The Citation CJ3 Gen3 has a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, with standard seating for up to ten occupants and a 1,000-pound baggage capacity. The cabin offers swivel seating, RGB accent lighting and connectivity options alongside a naturally lit lavatory with optional upscale features. Textron Aviation has not published a certification or entry-into-service date for the variant.