Textron Aviation announced yesterday that its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft took to the skies for the first time in early October. The announcement of this milestone flight follows the company’s unveiling of three new Gen3 products to its Citation light jet family at the "National Business Aviation Association - Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition" (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas (October 22-24). These next-generation business jets -- the Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 -- build upon the legacy of the Citation family, which has long been recognized as the most popular line of business jets worldwide.

The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company. 

Piloted by senior test pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot Ed Wenninger, the CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft, powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, took off from the company’s west Wichita campus at Eisenhower National Airport. The team evaluated the new avionics systems, along with the propulsion, environmental and flight control systems, during the 1 hour and 47-minute flight. 

The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the first business jet to announce inclusion of the all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME next-generation avionics suite. This prototype aircraft will continue in the testing program as the team’s focus turns to aircraft systems, engine, avionics and overall performance. The airplane is expected to enter into service in 2026. 

 The CJ4 is valued by customers around the world for a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.

 The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds, with seating for up to 11 occupants and a 1,040-pound baggage capacity.

Below, the video: