The first production CJ4 Gen3 has left the Wichita factory after the type has accumulated nearly 1,100 flight test hours. Entry into service and Emergency Autoland certification are not expected before 2027.
Textron Aviation is celebrating the rollout of the first production unit of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, an important milestone as the aircraft advances toward entry into service. The rollout represents Textron's continued investment in the light jet lineup, bringing Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, Garmin Emergency Autoland and other customer-driven enhancements to the proven Citation CJ4 platform.
“This rollout is a visible result of the care, precision and teamwork that move an aircraft from design intent to a production-ready airplane,” says Eric Cardinali, senior vice president, manufacturing operations. “For our manufacturing teams, it represents the disciplined execution behind every milestone, translating customer-driven innovation into a high-quality aircraft built to perform. I'm proud of the craftsmanship and collaboration that brought the first Citation CJ4 Gen3 production unit to this point.”
The CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be the first light jet to market with Garmin Emergency Autoland, a system designed to automatically take control of the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation, identify a suitable airport, guide the aircraft through approach and landing, and bring it to a complete stop. Featuring Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, the all-new flight deck in the light jet is designed to simplify pilot workflow and enhance situational awareness through intuitive touchscreen technology, advanced display capabilities and streamlined controls.
Developed in response to customer feedback, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed to elevate the ownership and flying experience through revolutionary technology and the most standard features in its class. While the aircraft showcases the next generation of Citation innovation, the rollout also highlights the people responsible for bringing that innovation to life. Teams across Textron Aviation collaborated to design, build and advance the first production aircraft as the programme progresses toward entry into service. The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 represents the next evolution of Textron Aviation's largest Citation light jet and demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support customers today while helping define the future of flight.
The single-pilot certified Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum cruise speed of 451 kts. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 6,930-pound useful load, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.
Textron Aviation unveiled the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 together at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas in October 2024, with the prototype having made its first flight in early October 2024 from Wichita. The three Gen3 aircraft have now collectively logged more than 1,220 combined flight test hours; the CJ4 Gen3 alone accounts for nearly 1,100 of those, spread across two test articles.
Alongside the G3000 Prime avionics and Emergency Autoland, the CJ4 Gen3 introduces factory winglets with enhanced lighting, lithium-ion batteries, LinxUs real-time maintenance data integration and improved cabin acoustics as standard equipment.
