Cessna’s CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its maiden flight, joining the M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 in flight testing. The nearly two‑hour sortie from Wichita reached 41,000 ft and 278 kt indicated while crews exercised cockpit software and handling checks. Textron targets certification of the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 in 2027; all three jets are factory‑equipped with Garmin Autothrottle and Emergency Autoland, plus ROA and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi. The CJ3 Gen3 delivers improved comfort, strong field performance and specs including a 2,040 nm range and 416 kt cruise speed.
Cessna CJ3 Gen3 Prototype Completes Maiden Flight as Textron Advances Next‑Gen Citation Line
Cessna's Next-Generation CJ3 Prototype Makes Debut Test Flight
Textron Aviation’s first Cessna CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its maiden flight this week, joining the M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 in active flight testing as the company moves toward FAA certification and entry into service.
Flight Test Details
Test pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock flew the CJ3 Gen3 out of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (KICT) near Textron’s Kansas headquarters. During the nearly two-hour sortie the crew exercised cockpit software functionality and handling characteristics as the aircraft climbed to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and reached 278 knots indicated airspeed.
“From takeoff to landing, the aircraft demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected,” said Helmer.
Program Timeline and Factory Features
Textron is targeting certification and entry into service for the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 in 2027, while the CJ4 Gen3 is expected to reach the market later this year. All three next‑generation Citation light jets are delivered from the factory with Garmin Autothrottle and Emergency Autoland, plus Textron’s Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) visibility system and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi displays. Textron also says Gen2 CJ3 owners will be able to retrofit Emergency Autoland once the Gen3 is certified.
Design, Cabin And Performance
The CJ3 Gen3 retains Garmin’s G3000 avionics suite with an optional Enhanced Vision System and offers modest ergonomic upgrades, including an additional 4.5 inches of pilot legroom compared with the previous generation. The customizable cabin features swivel seating, wireless charging and natural lavatory lighting; the aircraft can seat up to 10 passengers and carry about 1,000 pounds of baggage.
Official performance figures list a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles, a top cruise speed of 416 knots true airspeed (KTAS), a climb rate of 4,478 feet per minute and a takeoff field length of 3,180 feet. The CJ3 Gen3 is powered by twin Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan engines and has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,879 pounds.
Market Context
Textron’s milestone follows recent first flights by other business‑jet manufacturers: Gulfstream’s G300 and Dassault’s Falcon 10X. When it enters service, the CJ3 Gen3 will compete in the light‑jet sector with models such as the Embraer Phenom 300/300E, Pilatus PC‑24 and HondaJet Elite II. Honda’s upcoming HondaJet Echelon is positioned as a competitor as well, with a base price said to be in a range comparable to the CJ3+ family.
What This Means: The CJ3 Gen3 aims to blend the CJ3 family’s established field performance and utility with modern cockpit automation and safety features—positioning it as a flexible light‑jet option for owners and operators seeking range and runway performance in a compact platform.
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