CESSNA

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 and its maiden flight

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its maiden flight on Wednesday (29), marking the start of the flight test campaign for the manufacturer's new generation of light jets.

With this milestone, all three models in the Citation Gen3 family—the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and M2 Gen3—are now simultaneously part of the flight test program, a necessary step toward obtaining certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The mission lasted approximately two hours. During the operation, the team focused initial evaluations on the functionality of the cockpit software systems. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a top speed of 278 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS).

According to the manufacturer, data gathered during the first flight will serve as the foundation for expanding the test campaign required for the certification process.

Certification...With the start of flight testing, the CJ3 Gen3 enters the validation phase for the performance, systems, and operational characteristics required for certification.

The model incorporates upgrades developed based on feedback from operators and customers of the Citation family.

Key features include the integration of the Garmin Emergency Autoland system into the Garmin G3000 avionics suite, enabling automated landings in emergency situations. The aircraft also maintains its core value proposition: combining updated cockpit technologies with payload capacity, performance, and operational efficiency tailored to the business aviation and light jet segments.

Citation Gen3 Family...With the maiden flight of the CJ3 Gen3, all models in the new generation of Citation light jets are now in the flight testing phase. The program comprises the Citation M2 Gen3, Citation CJ3 Gen3, and Citation CJ4 Gen3, all of which remain in development leading up to certification and subsequent entry into service.

 

Vivaero