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Textron Aviation unveils Cessna CJ3 Gen2 and King Air 360 Crimson at Oshkosh 2026
Textron Aviation debuts its latest Citation CJ3 Gen2 light jet and King Air 360 Crimson Edition turboprop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, showcasing a broad aircraft lineup and new connectivity solutions.
The gist
Textron launches the CJ3 Gen2 and King Air 360 Crimson Edition at Oshkosh, highlighting fleet expansion and pilot-focused upgrades.
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Textron Aviation is set to highlight two of its newest special-edition aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, namely the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 and the Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition. These aircraft will make their public show debuts as part of Textron’s expanded display, which also includes other well-known products across its Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, and McCauley Propeller brands. The comprehensive exhibit aims to present a diverse fleet spanning piston singles, gliders, turboprops, and business jets, reinforcing Textron’s broad market presence.
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 is the latest advancement in Cessna’s light jet offering, having received FAA certification in 2025 and entering service earlier this year. This updated model integrates enhancements guided by customer feedback, including Garmin’s autothrottle system and a reconfigured cabin environment that provides additional pilot legroom. These improvements reflect an emphasis on avionics modernization and pilot comfort, aiming to sustain the Citation CJ3’s competitiveness within the light business jet category.
The Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition pays tribute to the King Air lineage with a distinct visual and interior theme. Its metallic crimson, silver, and black exterior is complemented by an anniversary-style interior, creating a bespoke experience for owners. The King Air 360 features advanced Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics and incorporates IS&S ThrustSense autothrottle technology, highlighting continued innovation in the turboprop segment that the King Air family is renowned for.
Beyond these two premiere aircraft, Textron’s presence at Oshkosh will include several key models and mockups from its portfolio. Notable among these are the Citation CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mockup and the Citation M2 Gen2, alongside the Beechcraft Denali mockup which underscores future development initiatives. The display will also feature utility aircraft such as the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Turbo Stationair, Turbo Skylane, Skylane, and Skyhawk, illustrating a full spectrum from general aviation to high-performance business platforms.
The Pipistrel brand will be represented with its Panthera, Sinus MAX, and Alpha Trainer models, showcasing Textron’s investment in diverse aircraft segments and growing interest in sustainable, light aircraft. The inclusion of these models broadens the scope of the exhibit and points to Textron’s strategic expansion beyond traditional piston and jet aircraft.
In addition to aircraft displays, Textron Aviation will spotlight connectivity technologies including Starlink and Gogo Galileo aftermarket solutions. These systems are integral to modern pilot and passenger experience, providing enhanced in-flight internet connectivity and communication capabilities. The booth will also host representatives from aftermarket parts and customer support teams, emphasizing Textron’s global service network and commitment to customer engagement.
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lannie O’Bannion remarked on the significance of AirVenture, describing it as a critical opportunity to connect directly with customers and the aviation community. The event facilitates valuable face-to-face interaction, enabling Textron to gain insights into customer operations and tailor aircraft development accordingly, ensuring products meet evolving needs and expectations.
The debut of the CJ3 Gen2 and King Air 360 Crimson Edition at this major aviation gathering marks a strategic moment for Textron to demonstrate its latest technological advancements and design refinements. By integrating advanced avionics, pilot ergonomics, and celebratory styling, these aircraft encapsulate ongoing innovation and recognize legacy within the competitive general and business aviation markets.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key upgrades in the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2?
- The Citation CJ3 Gen2 features Garmin autothrottle technology, a redesigned cabin with additional pilot legroom, and improved cockpit and cabin environments following its FAA certification in 2025.
- What special features does the Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition have?
- The King Air 360 Crimson Edition includes a distinctive metallic crimson, silver, and black exterior, a themed anniversary-style cabin, Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics, and IS&S ThrustSense autothrottle technology.
- What aircraft and brands will Textron Aviation showcase at Oshkosh 2026?
- Textron will display aircraft across Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, and McCauley brands, including the CJ3 Gen2, King Air 360 Crimson Edition, Citation CJ4 Gen3 mockup, Citation M2 Gen2, Denali mockup, Grand Caravan EX, and several Pipistrel models.
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