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Textron unveils plans for Cessna Citation Ascend jet


May 23, 2023  By Wings Staff

Textron Aviation expects the Cessna Citation Ascend to enter into service in 2025. (Photo: Textron Aviation)

Textron Aviation on May 22 introduced the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the 560XL series, called the Cessna Citation Ascend. Unveiled on the eve of this week’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), Textron explains the Citation Ascend is designed to bring an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series. With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation.

The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer Garmin G5000 avionics with features like autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection; three 14-inch high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities; standard dual flight management systems; synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain; cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit; new Garmin weather detection and avoidance technology; and second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional).

The Citation Ascend will offer Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver better fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The engines use new materials and technology, explains Textron, including a more efficient high-pressure compressor, an enhanced single stage high-pressure turbine module, and an upgraded exhaust mixer. The PW545D engines are also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). The Citation Ascend will also include an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection.

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Textron’s preliminary performance targets include: A four-passenger range of 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100 nm); cruise at 441 kts; and the ability to climb direct to 45,000 feet. Textron explains, that with four passengers at high-speed cruise power, customers can fly direct on trips like London City, UK, to Athens, Greece; Helsinki, Finland, to Porto, Portugal; or La Mole, France, to Prague, Czech Republic.

With a fully customizable interior, customers can select from a range of standard and optional features. The aircraft will include a flat floor to provide a new level of generous legroom and flexibility for passengers.

“The flat floor is a game changer when it comes to comfort,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience, Textron Aviation. “The design gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin.”

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