- News
- May 6, 2025
- 3 min read
CJ4 Gen3 P1 Jet Joins Textron Flight-Test Program
Avionics and human factors define the next phase of flight testing.
Textron Aviation has completed the first flight of the second Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 test aircraft, marking an important milestone in the program’s path toward certification. Designated P1, the second test aircraft is a platform focused on evaluating avionics, human factors and cabin systems. Conducted from the company’s facilities in Wichita, the flight lasted 3 hours 29 minutes and reached FL450 and a speed of 305 knots.
Pilots James Beerman and Corey Eckhart flew P1, focusing on general system evaluations and the performance of the next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite. Beerman said the aircraft handled smoothly and performed in line with the program’s expectations.
The CJ4 Gen3 was unveiled at NBAA-BACE 2024 and is expected to enter service in 2026. The first prototype made its maiden flight in 2024. With the addition of the P1 aircraft, Textron Aviation is expanding flight-test activities as it targets certification. “This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ4 Gen3 program,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering and programs.
As the largest Citation aircraft in the light-jet category, the CJ4 Gen3 offers a range of 2,165 nautical miles, a cruise speed of up to 451 knots and capacity for up to 11 passengers. It incorporates several improvements over its predecessor, including Garmin autothrottles, emergency automatic landing and a redesigned interior.
Garmin’s new G3000 Prime avionics suite offers faster processing, touchscreen optimization and streamlined workflow tools designed to reduce pilot workload and improve connectivity. The CJ4 Gen3 is also certified for single-pilot operations, while its potential applications encompass a range of missions, including corporate transport and special missions such as air ambulance and surveying work.
Textron Aviation has completed the first flight of the second Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 test aircraft, marking an important milestone in the program’s path toward certification. Designated P1, the second test aircraft is a platform focused on evaluating avionics, human factors and cabin systems. Conducted from the company’s facilities in Wichita, the flight lasted 3 hours 29 minutes and reached FL450 and a speed of 305 knots.
Pilots James Beerman and Corey Eckhart flew P1, focusing on general system evaluations and the performance of the next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite. Beerman said the aircraft handled smoothly and performed in line with the program’s expectations.
The CJ4 Gen3 was unveiled at NBAA-BACE 2024 and is expected to enter service in 2026. The first prototype made its maiden flight in 2024. With the addition of the P1 aircraft, Textron Aviation is expanding flight-test activities as it targets certification. “This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ4 Gen3 program,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering and programs.
Sponsored by Jet24 global
As the largest Citation aircraft in the light-jet category, the CJ4 Gen3 offers a range of 2,165 nautical miles, a cruise speed of up to 451 knots and capacity for up to 11 passengers. It incorporates several improvements over its predecessor, including Garmin autothrottles, emergency automatic landing and a redesigned interior.
Garmin’s new G3000 Prime avionics suite offers faster processing, touchscreen optimization and streamlined workflow tools designed to reduce pilot workload and improve connectivity. The CJ4 Gen3 is also certified for single-pilot operations, while its potential applications encompass a range of missions, including corporate transport and special missions such as air ambulance and surveying work.
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