Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has reached a major development milestone in its next-generation light jet portfolio with the successful first flight of the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 prototype. The aircraft will now enter an expanded phase of flight testing as the company works toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and a planned entry into service in 2027.
Tanner Towns, flight test engineer, said the aircraft systems and software performed as intended throughout the flight, with all validation checks completed successfully. He added that the flight confirmed the foundation established for the next phase of testing.
The initial flight, piloted by Andrew Thorson and Towns, lasted 2.7 hours and focused on evaluating aircraft handling and key systems. The M2 Gen3 reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 263 knots.
Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Programs, said the milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of the Textron Aviation team and its commitment to designing, certifying and delivering aircraft for its customers. He added that with the prototype now part of the flight test programme, the company is continuing its evaluation as it progresses toward certification.
The first flight highlights continued momentum across Textron Aviation’s next-generation Cessna Citation lineup and reinforces the company’s investment in the light jet segment.
Designed with confidence and ease of operation in mind, the Citation M2 Gen3 introduces Garmin Emergency Autoland technology to the cockpit, providing additional support for pilots and passengers.
Combined with the Garmin G3000 avionics suite and autothrottle capabilities, the M2 Gen3 addresses growing customer demand for intuitive flight deck technology and a seamless flying experience while maintaining the performance and reliability associated with the Citation family.
