Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Prototype Aircraft Takes Flight, Propelling the Program Into Advanced Testing
Textron Aviation announced the successful first flight of its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft in early October. This milestone follows the unveiling of three new Gen3 products in the Citation light jet family at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. The CJ4 Gen3, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, completed a 1 hour and 47-minute flight from Wichita's Eisenhower National Airport.
The flight test program will now enter a rigorous testing phase to ensure the aircraft meets high performance standards. The CJ4 Gen3 is the first business jet to feature the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, along with Garmin Autothrottles and Emergency Autoland. These advancements aim to enhance operational efficiency and reduce pilot workload. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2026.
Textron Aviation ha annunciato il successo del primo volo del suo prototipo di aereo Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 all'inizio di ottobre. Questo traguardo segue la presentazione di tre nuovi prodotti Gen3 nella famiglia di jet leggeri Citation durante l'NBAA-BACE a Las Vegas. Il CJ4 Gen3, progettato e prodotto da Textron Aviation Inc., una società di Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), ha completato un volo di 1 ora e 47 minuti dall'Aeroporto Nazionale Eisenhower di Wichita.
Il programma di test di volo entrerà ora in una fase di test rigorosa per garantire che l'aereo soddisfi elevati standard di prestazione. Il CJ4 Gen3 è il primo jet aziendale a presentare il suite avionica Garmin G3000 PRIME, insieme ai Garmin Autothrottles e Emergency Autoland. Questi avanzamenti mirano a migliorare l'efficienza operativa e ridurre il carico di lavoro del pilota. Si prevede che l'aereo entri in servizio nel 2026.
Textron Aviation anunció el exitoso primer vuelo de su prototipo de aeronave Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 a principios de octubre. Este hito sigue a la presentación de tres nuevos productos Gen3 en la familia de jets ligeros Citation durante el NBAA-BACE en Las Vegas. El CJ4 Gen3, diseñado y fabricado por Textron Aviation Inc., una empresa de Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), completó un vuelo de 1 hora y 47 minutos desde el Aeropuerto Nacional Eisenhower de Wichita.
El programa de pruebas de vuelo ahora ingresará a una fase de prueba rigurosa para asegurar que la aeronave cumpla con altos estándares de rendimiento. El CJ4 Gen3 es el primer jet de negocios en contar con el suite de aviónica Garmin G3000 PRIME, junto con los sistemas de control automático Garmin y el aterrizaje de emergencia. Estos avances tienen como objetivo mejorar la eficiencia operativa y reducir la carga de trabajo del piloto. Se espera que la aeronave entre en servicio en 2026.
텍스트론 에비에이션은 10월 초에 세스나 시타션 CJ4 Gen3 프로토타입 항공기의 첫 비행이 성공적으로 이뤄졌다고 발표했습니다. 이 이정표는 라스베이거스에서 열린 NBAA-BACE에서 시타전 경량 제트 패밀리의 3가지 새로운 Gen3 제품이 공개된 뒤 이루어졌습니다. CJ4 Gen3는 텍스트론 에비에이션 Inc.가 설계하고 제작한 항공기로, 텍스트론 Inc. (NYSE:TXT)의 자회사입니다. 이 항공기는 위치타의 아이젠하워 국내공항에서 1시간 47분 비행을 완료했습니다.
비행 테스트 프로그램은 이제 항공기가 높은 성능 기준을 충족하도록 보장하기 위해 엄격한 테스트 단계에 들어갑니다. CJ4 Gen3는 가민 G3000 PRIME 항공 전자 장비 세트를 갖춘 첫 번째 비즈니스 제트기로, 가민 자동스로틀 및 긴급 자동 착륙 장치와 함께 제공됩니다. 이러한 발전은 운영 효율성을 높이고 조종사의 작업 부담을 줄이기 위한 것입니다. 이 항공기는 2026년에 서비스에 들어갈 것으로 예상됩니다.
Textron Aviation a annoncé le succès du premier vol de son prototype d'avion Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 début octobre. Ce jalon fait suite à la présentation de trois nouveaux produits Gen3 dans la famille de jets légers Citation lors du NBAA-BACE à Las Vegas. Le CJ4 Gen3, conçu et fabriqué par Textron Aviation Inc., une filiale de Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), a complété un vol de 1 heure et 47 minutes depuis l'Aéroport National Eisenhower de Wichita.
Le programme d'essai de vol entrera maintenant dans une phase de test rigoureuse pour garantir que l'appareil respecte des normes de performance élevées. Le CJ4 Gen3 est le premier jet d'affaires à proposer le pack avionique Garmin G3000 PRIME, ainsi que les commandes automatiques Garmin et l'atterrissage d'urgence. Ces avancées visent à améliorer l'efficacité opérationnelle et à réduire la charge de travail du pilote. L'appareil devrait entrer en service en 2026.
Textron Aviation gab den erfolgreichen ersten Flug seines Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Prototyps Anfang Oktober bekannt. Dieser Meilenstein folgt der Vorstellung von drei neuen Gen3-Produkten aus der Citation-Leichtjetfamilie auf der NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. Der CJ4 Gen3, entworfen und hergestellt von Textron Aviation Inc., einem Unternehmen von Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), absolvierte einen 1-stündigen und 47-minütigen Flug vom Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita.
Das Flugtestprogramm wird nun in eine rigorose Testphase eintreten, um sicherzustellen, dass das Flugzeug hohe Leistungsstandards erfüllt. Der CJ4 Gen3 ist das erste Geschäftsreiseflugzeug, das mit dem Garmin G3000 PRIME Avioniksystem ausgestattet ist, zusammen mit Garmin-Autothrottles und einem Notlandesystem. Diese Fortschritte zielen darauf ab, die Betriebseffizienz zu steigern und die Arbeitslast des Piloten zu reduzieren. Es wird erwartet, dass das Flugzeug 2026 in den Dienst geht.
- Successful first flight of Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype
- Introduction of three new Gen3 products in the Citation light jet family
- CJ4 Gen3 is the first business jet to feature Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite
- Inclusion of Garmin Autothrottles and Emergency Autoland for enhanced operational efficiency
- Expected entry into service not until 2026, indicating a lengthy development timeline
Insights
The first flight of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype marks a significant milestone in Textron Aviation's development program. This event demonstrates progress in the company's strategy to update its light jet lineup, potentially strengthening its market position. Key improvements include:
- Integration of the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, which could enhance pilot efficiency and safety
- Addition of Garmin Autothrottles and Emergency Autoland systems, further automating flight operations
- Continued use of Williams International FJ44-4A engines, suggesting a focus on proven performance
While the 2026 projected entry into service indicates a lengthy development cycle, this timeline allows for thorough testing and refinement. The successful first flight suggests the program is on track, which is important for maintaining investor confidence in Textron's long-term product strategy in the competitive business jet market.
This development, while positive, has immediate financial impact for Textron (NYSE:TXT). The CJ4 Gen3's projected 2026 entry into service means revenue contributions are distant. However, it demonstrates Textron's commitment to product innovation in its Aviation segment, which accounted for
Investors should consider:
- Long-term market positioning: This update could help maintain Textron's strong position in the light jet market
- R&D expenses: Ongoing development costs may impact near-term margins
- Potential for increased order backlog: New features could drive pre-orders, improving revenue visibility
While not immediately impactful to financials, this progress supports Textron's long-term growth strategy in the aviation sector, which is important given the segment's significant contribution to overall company performance.
Textron Aviation | Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Prototype (Photo: Textron Aviation)
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
“The first flight of the CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft marks a major step forward in the flight test program, paving the way for future certification and delivery to customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “Our flight test pilots reported that the aircraft flew well and performed to the levels we anticipated. The program will now move into a rigorous testing phase, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest performance standards.”
Piloted by senior test pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot Ed Wenninger, the CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft, powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, took off from the company’s west Wichita campus at Eisenhower National Airport. The team evaluated the new avionics systems, along with the propulsion, environmental and flight control systems, during the 1 hour and 47-minute flight.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the first business jet to announce inclusion of the all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME next-generation avionics suite. PRIME brings exceptional control to the pilot experience, with a streamlined touchscreen and smoother flight deck flow, reducing pilot workload. Additionally, the CJ4 Gen3 includes Garmin Autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland, further enhancing operational efficiency.
The CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft will continue in the testing program as the team’s focus turns to aircraft systems, engine, avionics and overall performance. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2026.
About the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. The single-pilot certified aircraft combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner/operators or corporate missions. The CJ4 is valued by customers around the world for luxury and productivity, as well as a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 1,040-pound baggage capacity, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.
For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; demand softness or volatility in the markets in which we do business; and performance issues with key suppliers or subcontractors.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241021754857/en/
Media:
Kevin Severin
+1.316.799.5488
kseverin@txtav.com
txtav.com
Source: Textron Aviation
FAQ
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