Textron Aviation says Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completes first flight in certification push
TXT•CJ3 Gen3 prototype reaches first flight
Textron says the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight, moving the next-generation light jet program toward FAA certification.
The nearly two-hour flight reached 41,000 feet and 278 knots indicated, focusing on cockpit software functionality.
The CJ3 Gen3 adds Garmin Emergency Autoland to the Garmin G3000 avionics platform, reflecting customer-driven technology upgrades.
All three Gen3 Citation light jets — CJ4, CJ3 and M2 — are now in flight testing, supporting the broader certification and entry-into-service pipeline.
