CESSNA’S ASCEND
Textron Aviation Inc commenced this year’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in style, announcing the latest Cessna Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series — the Cessna Citation Ascend.
Attendees at the event had the opportunity to explore a specially designed mock-up of the Citation Ascend, which made its debut at the show. With ongoing development, the aircraft is anticipated to be operational by 2025, and here’s what we know of it so far.
THE 560XL SERIES
Already a highly esteemed lineage of business jets, Cessna’s 560XL Series is recognised for its exceptional performance and adaptability. Boasting a streamlined aerodynamic design, the 560XL already offers an impressive range, allowing for extended non-stop flights, while advanced avionics and cutting-edge systems ensure precise navigation and enhanced situational awareness and with introduction of the Citation Ascend, the lineage evolves once again. “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. “On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”
LISTENING TO THE CUSTOMER
As the saying goes. “The customer is always right!” and in the case of Textron’s clients, they wanted a jet with market leading performance and an immersive cabin experience, for charter services, personal transportation and corporate flight departments.
ASCEND PERFORMANCE
Whether you’re a client, operator, or pilot, the right engines are essential to the aircraft build. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Citation Ascend presents notable advancements in fuel efficiency, thrust, and durability. These engines incorporate cutting-edge materials and technology, featuring an enhanced high-pressure compressor and a state-of-the-art single-stage high-pressure turbine module. An upgraded exhaust mixer further enhances performance. The PW545D engines are complemented by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), facilitating the implementation of autothrottle technology. This integration ensures optimal engine operation, maximised efficiency, and reduced pilot workload. With these advancements, the Citation Ascend delivers superior performance, improved fuel economy, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Number’s wise, preliminary performance targets indicate 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 knots and the ability to climb direct to 45,000 feet. This means customers will enjoy trips such as London City, UK, to Athens, Greece; Helsinki, Finland, to Porto, Portugal; or La Mole, France, to Prague, Czech Republic. “The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.”
ASCEND COMFORT
For the Citation Ascend’s cabin, Textron worked with a Customer Advisory Board of owners, pilots, mechanics and passengers throughout the design process to better understand what they seek in the ultimate aircraft experience. The result of the networking is a fully customislable cabin, where customers can select from a range of standard and optional features to best meet their needs. Generous legroom is assured, courtesy of the Ascend’s flat floor, a design feature that also allows a new level of flexibility for guests. “The flat floor is a game changer when it comes to comfort,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “The design gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin.”
Customer feedback also shaped the Cessna’s seating. Here, the stylish and ergonomic seats are designed for ultimate comfort, placing passengers in an optimised posture. Optional quilting, footrests, and electrically controlled lumbar support help passengers relax, while side-facing seats will feature fold-down seat backs to provide additional in-flight accessible storage space.
Clients can also enjoy a clearer view of the world outside, as the Ascend features all-new cabin windows that are nearly 15 percent larger and offer condiderably more natural light. Translucent and opaque shade settings, wireless shade control, and optional lighted window rings all add up to enhance the cabin’s illumination and overall cabin ambience.
CONCLUSION
Textron has worked with customers and clients to cover every working detail of the Cessna Ascend, from incorporating 19 standard USB charging ports throughout the aircraft, to 18 month, or 800-hour airframe maintenance intervals.
“The Citation Ascend will offer all the best features of the 560XL series, and elevate the experience for both pilots and passengers,” Tannahill added. “We designed the aircraft based on customer feedback and there’s nothing else like it.”
The company is already seeing strong aircraft demand and is taking orders for the Ascend. It’s sure to be another big seller for Textron Aviation Inc.
