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A Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 test article lands during a recent Garmin Emergency Autoland test.
LAS VEGAS—Textron Aviation's Citation CJ4 Gen3, Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 light jet programs are progressing toward FAA certification expected in 2027, having logged more than 1,220 combined flight test hr., the company reports.
The company's long-awaited Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop is also on track for entry into service next year.
“Progress across these three development programs reflects the talent, discipline and commitment of our teams,” said Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering and programs. “Together, we're advancing a new generation of Citation light jets with technologies designed to elevate the customer experience and bring even greater confidence, simplicity and innovation to every flight.”
All three Citations and the Denali will feature the Garmin Emergency Autoland system as standard equipment. If activated during a pilot incapacitation or other emergency, the system will gauge fuel, weather and airports, then guide the aircraft to a suitable landing site. It squawks the 7700-emergency code, briefs passengers, then completes the flight, ultimately landing and bringing the aircraft to a complete stop.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be the first light jet to market with the Autoland system. The program has logged nearly 1,100 flight-test hours. to date across two test articles, the company reports. Recent testing has included hot-weather and electrical system certification testing.
The CJ4 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. It offers next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, with seamless control to the flight deck. It has a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum cruise speed of 451 ktas, with seating for up to 11 occupants.
The Citation CJ3 Gen3 program, which achieved first flight in June, has logged more than 60 test hr. and is focused on landing and braking performance on the test aircraft.
The CJ3 Gen3, with seating for up to 10, offers swivel seating, RGB accent lighting, modern connectivity options, skylights in the lavatory, plus a variety of optional features. It has a maximum range of 2,040 nm and a maximum payload of 2,135 lb.
Meanwhile, the Citation M2 Gen3, with seating for up to eight, has accumulated more than 75 hr., with the program nearing the start of simulated en route emergency activation, including airport selection and the Garmin Autoland to a full stop. It offers an optional folding side-facing seat that doubles as extra cargo space, wireless charging, and USB-A and USB-C ports, with a maximum range of 1,550 nm and a maximum payload of 1,510 lb.
The clean-sheet Beechcraft Denali is exceeding expectations, the company reports. “We're in the final throes,” Hearne tells Aviation Week. It will also feature the Garmin Emergency Autoland.
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