Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 Prototype Completes First Flight

Overview

• Textron Aviation says its M2 Gen3 prototype has completed its first flight and moved into expanded flight testing to evaluate handling, systems and avionics.
• Company statements identify test pilots Andrew Thorson and Tanner Towns and say crews focused on validating the aircraft’s flight behavior, autopilot, engines and software.
• The Gen3 brings specific new systems including Garmin G3000/G3000 Prime avionics, autothrottle, Garmin PlaneSync and Garmin Emergency Autoland for automated emergency landings.
• Reports of the first flight include conflicting performance figures for duration, altitude and speed, but all accounts agree the sortie was a systems‑validation mission as certification testing begins.
• The upgrade keeps the M2’s single‑pilot capability, adds cabin features such as RGB lighting and wireless and USB‑C charging, and positions the jet for owner‑pilots, corporate fleets and charter operators as part of Textron’s broader Citation Gen3 family refresh.