The Cessna "Next Generation Piston" Aircraft (NGP) is a proof-of-concept design for a future family of single engine, fixed gear, high cantilever wing, light aircraft intended for personal, flight training and commercial use.

The single flying prototype, registered N99110, is undergoing testing by Cessna. The aircraft was first seen publicly in flight on July 24 2006 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Development
Very little information has been made public about the aircraft since development began sometime in early 2005. Cessna has confirmed that the NGP has been designed specifically to compete with other, newer aircraft. Due to its intended role as competition for the Cirrus SR22, it is often referred to in the aviation press as the “Cirrus Killer.”

To be competitive with the Cirrus SR22, the NGP will likely have a cruise speed in the vicinity of 180 knots (343 km/h) TAS, a useful load around 1,150 lb (522 kg), and a base price around US$350,000. There is no information on the aircraft's runway length requirements at present.

The NGP mock-up displayed at AOPA Air Expo 2006, in Palm Springs, California had five seats. The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-580 FADEC 320 hp engine controlled by a single throttle lever. The aircraft has four doors with a separate baggage door on the left side, tricycle landing gear with a castering nose wheel and a forward-swept high-mounted wing of relatively small area.

Reportedly the prototype has accumulated more than 20 hours of flying time between its first flight on 23 June 2006 and the fly-by on July 24 2006. During its appearance at AirVenture it was fully painted in a factory-style paint scheme and sported wheelpants.

Cessna President and CEO, Jack Pelton confirmed at AirVenture 2006 that the NGP is intended to be the first of a new family of Cessna singles that will, in the long term, replace the Cessna 172 and 182 in production. Pelton also confirmed that while the prototype is flying with a Lycoming powerplant, Cessna is examining alternative new technology engines as well.

The structure is a blend of composite materials and aluminum, optimizing the available technology.

Columbia Aircraft Purchase
In September 2007, Cessna made an offer to the bankruptcy court to purchase Columbia Aircraft and their line of high performance single engined aircraft. The purchase is subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court and a complete offer by Cessna.

There had been speculation that the acquisition of the Columbia line would spell the end of the NGP project, but on September 26, 2007 Cessna Vice President for Sales, Roger Whyte confirmed that development of the Cessna NGP project will continue, regardless of the purchase of Columbia.