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Textron shared Monday that owners of the Cessna Citation CJ2 can improve their aircraft with the installation of the new Garmin CJ2 avionics upgrade at any of Textron's global service network locations after supplemental type certification, which is expected the first half of 2024.
Bedcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers will receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications from Textron through its global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support. The upgrade includes the G600 TXi fight display as well as EIS, HTN 750Xi, FMS/NAV/ COMM and GFC 600 digital autopilot. The system can offer situation awareness specifically for the CJ2, like Stabilized Approach monitoring and aural V-speed StormOptix weather radar and GLL 60 datalink for the connected aircraft management system.
"At Textron Aviation, we're committed to supporting customers throughout their ownership journey," Customer Support Senior VP Brian Rohloff said. "We're proud to bring this Garmin modernization package suite to CJ2 customers and support pilots as missions and technology evolve."
Textron Aviation is an original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft and can offer OEM-certified upgrades for the all-Garmin CJ2 avionics upgrade to maintain the system integrity as originally certified. CJ2 customers can undergo the upgrade at any domestic or international Textron service center.
The first CJ2 customer is expected to be long-time Citation owner and operator, Rod McDermott. He enjoys the advanced capabilities and improved functionality of the new Garmin avionics suite. McDermott lives in southern California and flies single pilot, flying average trips with lengths of 1,000 to 1,500 miles and about six coast-to-coast trips yearly in his CJ2.
"One of the things I appreciate is how excited Textron Aviation is to offer this upgrade and breathe new life into an amazing aircraft platform that could be flying for another 20, 30 years," McDermott said. "By working with Garmin, they're giving the CJ2 a whole new utility level for single pilot operation. And the fact that Textron Aviation is supportive of upgrades for aircraft no longer in production — that makes me really excited about working with this company."
The Cessna Citation CJ2 can hold up to nine passengers. The light jet has a range of 1,585 nautical miles. Since it took its first flight in 1999, Textron produced over 200 CJ2s until 2006.