Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 programmes have accumulated more than 1,220 combined flight-test hours as they advance towards Federal Aviation Administration certification. The Wichita-based Textron company is targeting certification and entry into service for the CJ4 Gen3 in 2026, followed by the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 in 2027.
The CJ4 Gen3 accounts for nearly 1,100 hours across two test aircraft, with recent work covering hot-weather operations and electrical-system certification. The CJ3 Gen3 has exceeded 60 hours and is undergoing landing and braking-performance testing, while the M2 Gen3 has surpassed 75 hours and is approaching simulated en-route emergency testing.
All three aircraft are being equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland, which is designed to select a suitable airport and guide the aircraft through an automated landing and stop if the pilot becomes incapacitated. The CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be the first light jet to enter service with the system.
The M2 Gen3 began flight testing in June 2026, while the CJ3 Gen3 completed its maiden flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport on 29 July. The programmes remain subject to FAA certification, and the projected service-entry dates are targets rather than completed regulatory milestones.