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The flight deck of the Cessna Citation Ascend business jet.
WICHITA—Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation Ascend midsize business jet program is moving forward with certification testing, with more than 125 flights and 350 flight hr. completed on the prototype aircraft, the company says.
Announced at the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, the Citation Ascend, the latest of its 560XL family of aircraft, is expected to enter service in 2025.
“The feedback from our customers on this product is outstanding,” Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation senior vice president of global sales and flight operations, said during an update with media. “They’re very excited to see what we’ve done to this aircraft.”
The company has successfully completed a number of tests, including extreme hot and cold weather testing, bird strike, braking performance, tire burst, and cockpit and cabin window static and residual strength testing.
The Ascend’s simulator systems test rig, called the “Iron Bird,” incorporates the design of its avionics and electrical and engine control systems to aid in pilot familiarization and flight scenarios.
“With the prototype aircraft’s successful completion of rigorous certification tests and over 350 flight test hours, we are confident in the development of the Citation Ascend,” says Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering and programs.
The Citation Ascend includes the new Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines, which are nearing certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation. The engine uses new materials and technology, including a more efficient high-pressure compressor and an enhanced single-stage, high-pressure turbine module.
The aircraft also includes Garmin G5000 avionics with autothrottles found in Textron Aviation’s larger Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude business jets.
The Ascend features other upgrades, such as a flattened floor, larger passenger windows, 19 standard USB charging ports, three universal outlets and other features.
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