Textron Aviation CEO and President Ron Draper says the CJ3 Gen2 is the company’s “most comprehensive Gen2 product announcement yet, offering customers proven performance, leading-edge technology, and an unmatched cabin experience.” (Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation.)
Textron Aviation expects to release its new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 light business jet in 2025. In October, the manufacturer displayed a mockup of the 10-passenger aircraft at the National Business Aviation Association—Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
The company says it’s already seeing strong demand and orders. The new aircraft design features cockpit and cabin enhancements, making it Textron Aviation’s most comprehensive Gen2 product yet.
Key Customer Feedback
Textron has shared videos featuring members of its Customer Advisory Board that provided feedback key to enhancements implemented throughout the jet. In one video, Stephen Elop, a pilot who has held senior leadership positions at Adobe, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, and Nokia, says incorporating a datalink system is a game changer.
“What that means to me is database updates can happen quickly and automatically in the background, reducing a huge amount of work for me,” Elop says. “For example, before I head to the airport to get ready for a departure, I can tell from my computer at home whether it’s been fuelled or not.”
The CJ3 Gen2 Up Close
The twin Williams International FJ44-3A engines that power the CJ3 Gen2 can operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The jet utilises a conventional wing design with a computer-sculpted airfoil that enables uninterrupted air to flow across more of the aircraft surface for more lift with less drag.
The aircraft has a maximum flight range of 2,040 nautical miles (3,778 kilometres) and a maximum cruise speed of 416 ktas. It has a maximum payload of 968 kilograms (2,135 pounds) and a useful load of 2,508 kg (5,530 lbs).
CJ3 Gen2 pilots will have an additional 11.4 centimetres of legroom, a touchscreen interface, autothrottles, Synthetic Vision Technology, and a digital autopilot system available to them in the cockpit. (Photo courtesy of Textron Aviation.)
A Roomier Cockpit
Designed for single-pilot operation, the CJ3 Gen2 boasts a cockpit with 11.4 centimetres (4.5 inches) of additional legroom. Pilots will also have Garmin G3000 avionics at their disposal, and autothrottles will help reduce their workload. An option for an Enhanced Vision System promises to enhance clarity and optimise situational awareness.
A Luxurious Interior
Passengers have plenty to look forward to as well, including new seats with optional swivel functionality, new adjustable RGB accent lights, and new CoolView skylights in the lavatory. Business travelers have top-loading executive and slimline tables, USB-C power ports at every seat, and wireless charging in the main cabin to help them remain productive during flights.
Customers can customise the luxury interior with a fixed side-facing seat, a refreshment center, or a folding side-facing seat to transport an extra passenger or additional luggage.
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Source: Textron Aviation
