CJ3 Makes First Flight with Pro Line Fusion Flight Deck

Rockwell Collins and Duncan Aviation announced a Pro Line Fusion cockpit upgrade at NBAA 2015 for the Citation CJ3, and on Tuesday the first CJ3 with the touchscreen display-equipped flight deck took to the skies at Duncan’s Lincoln, Neb. headquarters. 

The cockpit upgrade replaces Pro Line 21 portrait-oriented displays with three larger 14.1-inch touchscreen displays in landscape format. Included in the upgrade are ADS-B OUT, WAAS LPV and synthetic vision, and the touchscreens eliminate the need for traditional FMS control display units mounted in the pedestal. The synthetic vision includes Rockwell Collins’s airport dome, which highlights the destination airport and extended runway centerlines with mile markers. This upgrade also adds a USB port on the displays for database updates. Additionally, buyers can opt for Rockwell Collins Aircraft Information Manager wireless data loading.

“The system performed flawlessly on our one-hour, 10-minute flight in the CJ3,” said Scott Simpson, principal flight test pilot for Rockwell Collins. “[Tuesday'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.”

STC certification of the CJ3 Pro Line Fusion upgrade is expected by year-end. Installations will be available from Duncan Aviation and Textron Aviation service centers. Last year, Rockwell Collins estimated the fly-away cost for the upgrade in the $315,000 to $325,000 range.