Textron rolls out first production CJ4 Gen3

The first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 has left the line at Textron Aviation as the aircraft advances towards entry into service.

Textron Aviation has rolled out the first production unit of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 as the aircraft advances towards entry into service. The aircraft brings Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, Garmin Emergency Autoland and other customer-driven enhancements to the proven Citation CJ4 platform.

The CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be the first light jet to market with Garmin Emergency Autoland, a system designed to automatically take control of the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation, identify a suitable airport, guide the aircraft through approach and landing and bring it to a complete stop.

The Garmin G3000 PRIME flight deck is designed to simplify pilot workflow and improve situational awareness through touchscreen technology, advanced display capabilities and streamlined controls.

Teams across Textron Aviation collaborated to design, build and advance the first production aircraft as the programme progresses towards entry into service.

Eric Cardinali, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president of manufacturing operations, says: “This rollout is a visible result of the care, precision and teamwork that move an aircraft from design intent to a production-ready airplane.”

Developed in response to customer feedback, the CJ4 Gen3 is the next evolution of the largest Citation in the light jet segment. The aircraft is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165nm and a maximum cruise speed of 451ktas, with seating for up to 11 occupants and a 6,930lb useful load.

The single-pilot certified CJ4 is flown on owner-operator and corporate missions, as well as air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey roles.