Textron Aviation has completed the maiden flight of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype, marking a key milestone as the next-generation light jet advances towards FAA certification.
The nearly two-hour flight departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, with test pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock evaluating cockpit software functionality. The aircraft reached an altitude of 41,000 ft and a maximum indicated airspeed of 278 kt, meeting initial performance expectations.
The successful first flight means all three next-generation Citation light jets—the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3—are now in flight testing, underscoring progress across Textron Aviation’s light jet portfolio.
Textron Aviation said the certification campaign will now expand to include comprehensive flight testing to validate the aircraft’s performance and systems ahead of entry into service.
Developed in response to customer feedback, the Citation CJ3 Gen3 features Garmin Emergency Autoland integrated with the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The aircraft is designed to combine enhanced safety and cockpit technology with the performance, payload capability and operating efficiency of the Citation family.
