Textron Citation Gen3 test fleet passes 1,220 flight hours ahead of certification

Textron Aviation said on Monday that its test aircraft for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 have logged 1,220 flight hours between them. The three light business jets are working toward FAA certification in 2026 and 2027, according to the manufacturer.

Among the changes planned for the next-generation Citations is Garmin Emergency Autoland. The system can steer an aircraft to a suitable landing site and bring it to a stop, either when occupants activate it or automatically if the pilot is incapacitated. Textron expects the CJ4 Gen3 to be certified this year and says it will be the first light jet on the market with the feature. Testing of the capability is already under way.

The CJ4 Gen3 flew first of the three, in 2024, and its programme leads the others. Two test articles have flown close to 1,100 hours, including hot weather trials and certification testing of electrical systems. In July the company said the aircraft had passed 880 flight test hours, along with simulator work and winglet certification tests covering stalls, handling qualities, and takeoff and landing performance.

The other two programmes are further behind. The CJ3 Gen3 has passed 60 flight test hours and has moved into landing and braking performance work, with certification targeted for 2027. The M2 Gen3, which shares that timeline, has reached 75 hours and is nearing simulated en-route emergency activation, including airport selection and autoland to a full stop. It stood at close to 20 hours as of late July.

Textron describes the CJ4 as the largest aircraft in its light jet range. The CJ4 Gen3 is projected to offer a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots true airspeed, with seating for up to 11 occupants and a useful load of 6,930 pounds. The company says the design is intended to provide speed, range and operating economics suited to owners, operators, corporate missions and air ambulance work, among other roles, compared with larger aircraft.