Textron Aviation Marks Major Milestone in Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Flight Test Program with Successful Second Test Aircraft Flight
Cessna Citation Textron Aviation, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of general aviation aircraft, announced a pivotal advancement in the development of its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet. The company successfully completed the first flight of a second test aircraft, designated P1, marking a critical step forward in the program’s comprehensive flight test campaign.
Cessna Citation This significant milestone reflects Textron Aviation’s steadfast commitment to innovation, rigorous engineering, and delivering enhanced capabilities to its customers in the light jet segment. The CJ4 Gen3 represents the latest evolution in the renowned Citation family, integrating state-of-the-art avionics, advanced cockpit ergonomics, and superior cabin features to meet the growing demands of business aviation operators.
A New Chapter in Citation Excellence
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron which has long been recognized for its extensive portfolio of business jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft. Building on the robust legacy of the Citation series—the most popular line of business jets worldwide—the CJ4 Gen3 embodies a fusion of proven performance with next-generation technological enhancements.
Cessna Citation With its roots tracing back to the original CJ4, which first entered service in 2010, the Gen3 variant takes the platform to new heights. The aircraft was officially unveiled during the 2024 National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), where it garnered significant attention for its blend of operational efficiency, pilot-centric design, and cabin comfort. The CJ4 Gen3 is slated for entry into service in 2026, aligning with Textron Aviation’s strategic roadmap for innovation in the light business jet market.
The Role of the P1 Test Article
The recent successful maiden flight of the P1 aircraft is a testament to the program’s progress and the meticulous approach Textron Aviation employs in its certification efforts. Unlike the initial prototype, which primarily focused on overall aircraft performance and flight characteristics, the P1 test article has been tasked with a specialized testing regime. This phase will concentrate on evaluating avionics integration, human factors, and interior systems — all critical elements that directly impact pilot workload, situational awareness, and passenger experience.
Chris Hearne, Cessna Citation Senior Vice President of Engineering & Programs at Textron Aviation, emphasized the importance of this achievement:
“This milestone continues the forward momentum of the CJ4 Gen3 program and reflects the dedication and expertise of our team in designing, certifying, and delivering the best aircraft for our customers. By adding this test article to our flight test program, we are continuing rigorous testing as we work toward certification.”
Highlights from the First Flight
Cessna Citation The P1 aircraft’s initial flight lasted three hours and 29 minutes, showcasing its operational readiness and alignment with program expectations. Piloted by seasoned Textron Aviation test pilots James Bearman and Corey Eckhart, the flight focused on general avionics and system evaluations, laying the groundwork for more in-depth testing in the coming months.
Reaching a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and attaining speeds of up to 305 knots, the aircraft demonstrated its capability to perform within its projected operational envelope. Bearman remarked on the aircraft’s performance, noting that the flight was smooth, seamless, and met all test objectives.
The data collected during this flight will be instrumental in refining systems performance, ensuring reliability, and validating the ergonomic improvements introduced in the CJ4 Gen3’s cockpit and cabin environment.
Elevating Pilot Experience with Garmin G3000 PRIME Avionics
Cessna Citation One of the defining features of the CJ4 Gen3 is its adoption of the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. This next-generation flight deck offers an array of advanced capabilities designed to enhance situational awareness, reduce pilot workload, and streamline operations.
The G3000 PRIME system features high-resolution touchscreen controllers, intuitive interface layouts, and integrated connectivity options, providing pilots with comprehensive access to navigation, communication, weather, and flight management tools. Its adaptability ensures that the CJ4 Gen3 remains at the forefront of avionics technology, catering to both current and future operational demands.
Additionally, the avionics suite supports enhanced safety features such as synthetic vision, surface awareness alerts, and advanced autopilot modes. These enhancements are critical in an era where business aviation operators demand not only performance but also technological sophistication and safety assurance.
Focus on Human Factors and Cabin Comfort
Beyond avionics, the CJ4 Gen3’s development places a strong emphasis on human factors — the interaction between pilots and aircraft systems — ensuring that the cockpit environment is optimized for efficiency and comfort. Textron Aviation’s engineering teams have worked extensively on refining control placements, improving visibility, and enhancing ergonomics to support pilots during long flights and high-workload situations.
In the cabin, Cessna Citation the CJ4 Gen3 introduces a refreshed interior design that prioritizes passenger comfort and functionality. Upgraded seating, advanced cabin management systems, and connectivity solutions cater to the needs of business travelers who expect seamless productivity and relaxation in the air. The P1 aircraft will be instrumental in validating these interior enhancements under real-world operating conditions.
Strategic Vision and Market Positioning
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 occupies a strategic position in Textron Aviation’s product lineup, bridging the gap between the company’s smaller CJ3+ and larger midsize jets like the Citation XLS Gen2. With its combination of range, speed, and operational flexibility, the CJ4 Gen3 is well-suited for a variety of missions, including corporate travel, charter services, and air taxi operations.
Its capability to operate from shorter runways while offering a maximum range of over 2,000 nautical miles makes it an attractive option for operators seeking to balance performance with cost efficiency. Furthermore, the aircraft’s fuel-efficient design and advanced avionics contribute to lower operating costs, aligning with the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability and economic viability.
Commitment to Certification and Customer Delivery
Cessna Citation With the addition of the P1 aircraft to the flight test program, Textron Aviation is accelerating its path toward achieving type certification for the CJ4 Gen3. The company’s comprehensive approach to testing — encompassing structural, systems, avionics, and human factors validation — ensures that every aspect of the aircraft meets stringent regulatory standards and customer expectations.
Cessna Citation the flight test campaign will continue to expand, with further evaluations planned across various flight regimes and environmental conditions. Textron Aviation remains focused on delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds the needs of its diverse customer base.
A Milestone Toward the Future of Business Aviation
The successful first flight of the P1 test aircraft marks a major milestone in the development of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, reaffirming Textron Aviation’s leadership in the business aviation sector. As the program progresses, the CJ4 Gen3 is poised to set new standards in performance, pilot experience, and passenger comfort within the light jet category.
With entry into service targeted for 2026, the CJ4 Gen3 represents not just an upgrade, but a thoughtful evolution of a proven platform — one that combines legacy strengths with cutting-edge innovation. For Textron Aviation, this aircraft embodies the company’s enduring commitment to advancing general aviation and providing operators with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly dynamic market.
