At NBAA-BACE 2024, Textron Aviation announced the future of its Cessna Citation lineup with the unveiling of its next generation of light jets — the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3. Garmin Emergency Autoland technology is to be used in all three new aircraft, plus the Citation CJ4 Gen3 also features new, next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics.
Currently under development, the CJ4 Gen3 is expected to enter service in 2026, with the M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 following in 2027. Textron Aviation debuted a new Citation CJ3 Gen3 mock-up and CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mock-up at NBAA-BACE on the static display.
Garmin Emergency Autoland has been added to the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3. All three new aircraft include fully integrated Garmin Autothrottles. In addition, Runway Occupancy Awareness is designed to give enhanced visibility of runway obstacles and potential runway incursions, and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi displays runways, FBOs and hangars to more easily navigate airports.
“Adding the Garmin Emergency Autoland system to our entire Citation light jet family lineup represents a monumental leap in aviation technology,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “As the world’s first certified system of its kind, Autoland offers not just an advancement in automated flight capabilities but a profound enhancement in passenger and pilot peace of mind. The system stands as a guardian against loss of control following pilot incapacitation, offering automated emergency communications and landing when needed and providing unparalleled peace of mind to pilots and passengers.”
After certification of the Gen3 aircraft, customers who own a Citation M2 Gen2 with autothrottles or CJ3 Gen2 aircraft will receive a service bulletin about the opportunity to incorporate Garmin Emergency Autoland into their aircraft.
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 features new, next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics. The aircraft is expected to be included under the 525 type rating.
Features of the CJ4 Gen3’s next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite include a new procedure selector designed for intuitive, interactive adjustments for approach transitions; a flat menu interface designed to help pilots easily navigate across avionic systems and flight operations, so everything they need is only a touch away; and interactive slide-outs on the engine indicating strip to let pilots easily access engine and system settings. All primary displays are enhanced, with interactive multi touch technology designed to let pilots easily zoom and change waypoints and interact with the system. Secondary display units are 40% larger than previous versions and allow Linked View to primary displays for easier viewing. The Garmin Control Unit in the CJ4 Gen3 is designed to allow pilots to easily assume manual operation of the avionics, giving an alternate method of control. There are also fewer buttons, giving pilots simplified, streamlined control. In addition, Textron Aviation said advanced avionics hardware provides faster, more responsive processing, and increased connectivity, while software-based updates help owners and operators prepare their aircraft for the future.
“As the first in the industry to announce the next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, the CJ4 Gen3 merges sophistication with simplicity, offering advanced features and intuitive, seamless control,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations. “This aircraft is designed to keep pilots a step ahead in the cockpit and aids customers in moving seamlessly throughout the entire Citation light jet fleet.”
Textron Aviation noted that additional new features in the CJ4 Gen3 include lithium-ion batteries to provide enhanced starting power and elevate reliability for more efficient cold weather operations; new winglets with enhanced lighting for an elevated ramp presence; seamless integration of real-time data with LinxUs to support owners and operators in efficiently planning for maintenance and repairs; and improved cabin acoustics. There is also upgraded flight deck lighting, including map lighting, overhead flood lighting and side pocket lighting.
The CJ4 Gen3 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment, and is single-pilot certified. It is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,200 lbs. It offers seating for up to 11 occupants and a 1,040-lb baggage capacity.
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3
The new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 features a flight deck equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics system that utilises Garmin Autothrottles and optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The system also supports Garmin Emergency Autoland capabilities. There is 4.5in of additional legroom for pilots. The cabin offers a customisable space with amenities like swivel seating, RGB accent lighting and connectivity options, alongside a naturally lit lavatory with optional upscale features.
The Citation CJ3 Gen3 has a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 lbs. It offers standard seating for up to 10 occupants and a 1,000-lb baggage capacity.
Cessna Citation M2 Gen3
The new Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 flight deck is also equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics system utilising Garmin Autothrottles and optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The system also supports Garmin Emergency Autoland capabilities.
Textron Aviation said the M2 Gen3 interior incorporates premium styling, ambient lighting, remastered illuminated cupholders, and an optional folding side-facing seat that doubles as extra cargo space. Technological upgrades include wireless charging and both USB-A and USB-C ports at each seat. Additionally, the cockpit has been expanded by 3in at the co-pilot’s position. The cabin entry threshold materials have been upgraded for increased durability.
The Citation M2 Gen3 boasts a maximum range of 1,550 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 1,510 lbs. It has seating capacity for up to eight occupants and a baggage capacity of up to 725 lbs.
