Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 Light Jet Completes First Flight
Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas. Pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock flew for two hours, reaching 41,000 feet and 278 knots, testing cockpit software. Unveiled in 2024, the CJ3 Gen3 has a range of 2,040 nautical miles, payload of 2,135 pounds, top speed of 416 knots, and seats up to 10. It features Garmin G3000 avionics with Emergency Autoland and a customizable cabin with leather seating, RGB lighting, and wireless charging. The CJ4 Gen3 is expected in late 2026, with the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 in 2027, pending FAA certification.
Key facts
- Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight.
- Flight took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas.
- Pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock flew the jet for two hours.
- Maximum altitude reached was 41,000 feet; maximum speed was 278 knots.
- Aircraft was unveiled by Textron Aviation in 2024.
- Range is 2,040 nautical miles; payload is 2,135 pounds; top speed is 416 knots; seats up to 10.
- Features Garmin G3000 avionics with Emergency Autoland.
- CJ4 Gen3 expected in late 2026; CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 expected in 2027.
- FAA certification is pending.
Entities
Institutions
- Textron Aviation
- Cessna
- Garmin
- Robb Report
- FAA
Locations
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Kansas
- United States