$TXT

Textron Innovations, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., received a patent for a tandem tiltrotor design with rotor assemblies at the front and rear of the fuselage, using modular, swappable components. The filing claims improved structural efficiency, less drag, more control authority and lift, and longer range than helicopters. Textron also obtained two other patents that week.

Bell Textron expanded its Clontarf, Brisbane component, repair and overhaul facility to add hydraulic component maintenance and repair. The site grew from 50m² to 800m², with expanded non-destructive testing and more qualified technicians. Bell says hydraulic services cover multiple Bell helicopter models and that component capability rose 50% over 12 months.

Business jet makers reported strong results. General Dynamics’ Gulfstream posted a “special quarter” with Aerospace revenue up 15% to $3.5bn, margins up to 14.5%, and $5.3bn in new orders. Bombardier Q2 revenue rose 6% to $2.15bn, adjusted net income to $257m, free cash flow to $228m, backlog to $21.8bn. Dassault and Textron also reported figures.

Textron Aviation says the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight from Wichita, with a nearly two-hour test reaching 41,000 ft and 278 knots. The company also reports the CJ4 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are in flight testing as all three progress toward FAA certification. CJ3 Gen3 features include Garmin Emergency Autoland on G3000 and a 2,040 nm range.

Textron Aviation said Wednesday that its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight, moving the light jet into flight testing ahead of planned FAA certification. Test pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock departed Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and concentrated on cockpit software during the flight. The aircraft reached 41,000 feet and 278 knots indicated.

Demand and order backlogs at Textron Aviation remain strong as the Wichita-based manufacturer reports improvements in its workforce and supply chain. During the second quarter of 2026, Textron Aviation recorded $1.54 billion in revenue, up 1% from a year earlier, as it delivered 40 business jets, compared with 49 a year ago, and 44 commercial turboprops, compared with 34, parent company Textron reported.

By Aatreyee Dasgupta July 28 (Reuters) - Textron beat second-quarter profit and revenue estimates on Tuesday, owing to higher aircraft pricing, but productivity issues at its aviation unit weighed on jet deliveries, sending its shares down more than 6% in morning trading. The business jet maker's larger aviation segment, which manufactures the Cessna jet and Beechcraft aircraft, delivered nine jets fewer than a year ago.

Bell and Boeing marked a milestone for the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Program of Record at Bell’s Amarillo facility on July 28. The USMC has the largest V-22 fleet, with 359 MV-22 aircraft produced and delivered. The focus shifts to sustainment, readiness, and modernization, with targets to keep the fleet flying until 2055.

Textron CEO Lisa Atherton said about 50% of Textron Aviation’s workforce joined in the past five years, up from under 30% in 2019, reflecting post-pandemic labor shortages. On its Q2 earnings call, Textron reported $1.5B revenue, $165M profit, and 11.2% margin, citing inefficiencies. The company aims to raise jet output to about 200 annually by late 2027, investing in capacity, process and suppliers, with an $8B backlog.

Textron Aviation says its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype completed its first flight from Wichita, Kansas, lasting about two hours. The jet reached 41,000 feet and 278 knots and included cockpit software testing. The aircraft is positioned between the M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3, with 2,040 nm range and up to 10 seats, pending FAA certification and service in 2027.