The first production CJ3 took its first flight three weeks ahead of schedule. The aircraft departed from McConnell Air Force Base and landed at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport.

First flight of the Serial 001 aircraft was performed using a standard production first flight profile, which included the full range of airspeed from stalls to MMO, and coupled approaches. The aircraft will be used primarily for avionics development.

Recent CJ3 programme accomplishments include the completion of the low and high speed envelope expansion, mating of the wing to the fuselage on CJ3 serial number 002, completion of the first customer specification session, and painting of the prototype.

The CJ3 team has also begun static testing. The first major airframe article assessment of the tailcone and empennage was completed in late June. All static testing is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2004.