Textron Aviation has flown the first Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype, moving the light business jet into the start of its flight-testing phase.
The company announced the milestone on July 29, 2026, saying the CJ3 Gen3 took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas for a flight lasting nearly two hours. Test pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock focused primarily on evaluating cockpit software.
The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a top indicated airspeed of 278 knots.
“From takeoff to landing, the aircraft demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected,” Helmer said. “This first flight validated months of preparation and provided a strong foundation as we expand testing and continue the certification program.”
Textron will now begin a broader flight-test campaign as it works toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and entry into service.
The first flight milestone means all three aircraft in Textron’s next-generation Citation light jet lineup are now undergoing flight testing. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype flew for the first time in October 2024, while the Citation M2 Gen3 completed its first flight earlier in 2026.
“This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ3 Gen3 program and reflects the discipline, innovation and commitment of this team,” Textron Aviation Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs Chris Hearne said.
The CJ3 Gen3 retains the Garmin G3000 avionics platform while adding Garmin autothrottles and Emergency Autoland. Emergency Autoland can take control of the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated, select a suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control and land without pilot input.
Textron also offers an optional enhanced vision system designed to improve situational awareness in reduced visibility.
The company developed the latest CJ3 using feedback from aircraft owners, passengers and pilots. The cockpit provides an additional 4.5 inches of legroom for pilots, while the cabin includes swivel seats, configurable lighting and updated connectivity options.
The aircraft has standard seating for as many as 10 occupants and space for up to 1,000 pounds of baggage.
Textron lists a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds.
“The Citation CJ3 Gen3 builds on everything customers value about the CJ3 family while incorporating technology they’ve asked for to make flying even more intuitive and confidence-inspiring,” Textron Aviation Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Lannie O’Bannion said.
Textron introduced the CJ3 Gen3 alongside the M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas.
The company has said the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are expected to enter service in 2027.