Citation CJ3 makes first flight with Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion® avionics upgrade

A Citation CJ3 equipped with Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion® avionics made its flying debut this week following implementation of the system on the business jet with Duncan Aviation. The two companies unveiled the new flight deck upgrade for the CJ3 last fall. The successful test flight originated yesterday out of Duncan Aviation’s headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Pro Line Fusion upgrade for the CJ3 provides turn-key compliance with airspace modernization deadlines and transforms the flying experience with widescreen displays, high-resolution synthetic vision and touchscreen navigation. Duncan Aviation has already received more than a dozen deposits from customers for the upgrade.

“This is the avionics upgrade CJ3 owners have been eager to adopt to prepare them for future airspace mandates by bringing the most advanced technology to their flight deck,” said Craig Olson, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins. “With flight testing now under way, the finish line is in sight and we look forward to standing beside Duncan Aviation and watching the first customer fly.”

“The system performed flawlessly on our one hour 10 minute flight in the CJ3,” said Scott Simpson, principal flight test pilot for Rockwell Collins. “Yesterday’s flight included three approaches with synthetic vision displayed for both pilots, graphically-entered flight plan updates, and other avionics checkout procedures. In addition to ensuring ADS-B compliance, owners who upgrade will find it an absolute joy to fly.”

“The Pro Line Fusion flight deck upgrade has been met with much enthusiasm from CJ3 operators,” says Jeff Simmons, a Duncan Aviation Avionics sales representative. “They are excited about transforming their aircraft and their flight experience while meeting the upcoming NextGen mandates. Flight testing of the system is an exciting milestone in this installation and certification process. The collaboration, effort and professionalism shown between the Rockwell Collins and Duncan Aviation teams have been impressive and are the reasons the program has successfully reached this point.”

Pro Line Fusion for the CJ3 replaces the factory-installed portrait displays with three larger 14.1-inch landscape touchscreen flight displays. The upgrade brings turn-key compliance with ADS-B and WAAS LPV, plus pilots will enjoy extensive situational awareness, Synthetic Vision System, and a revolution in simplicity. The system includes intuitive, touch-interactive maps, and easy-to-use icons, giving the pilot the ability to control items on the screen through touch. It also eliminates the need for Flight Management System (FMS) control display units originally installed in the pedestal.

The Pro Line Fusion upgrade for the CJ3 is expected to be certified at year end and will be available through Duncan Aviation and Textron-owned Service Centers.