Summary Points
- The Cessna Citation Ascend received FAA type certification 5 November, with entry into service expected later this year.
- The aircraft introduces a new Garmin G5000 cockpit, autothrottle, synthetic vision, and advanced weather-avoidance technologies.
- Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Ascend reaches 441 ktas and a 1,940-nautical-mile range.
WICHITA, Kan. - The Cessna Citation Ascend, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc. in Wichita, Kan., a Textron Inc. company, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded type certification for the aircraft. Entry into service is expected later this year.
The midsize business jet introduces an all-new cockpit, improved performance, and a flat-floor cabin designed for greater passenger comfort and operational flexibility. Two flight test aircraft completed more than 1,000 flight hours and numerous certification tests to meet FAA requirements.
"The Citation Ascend’s successful flight test program reflects our teams’ expertise in obtaining FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers," said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering and Programs. "We sought our customers’ feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity, and efficiency."
Tech features
The Citation Ascend’s cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, featuring three large 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays with split-screen capability and dual flight management systems. Autothrottle technology reduces pilot workload and provides flight-envelope protection, while synthetic vision technology renders terrain and obstacle data for enhanced situational awareness. The flight deck also includes a cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver for in-flight communications, as well as Garmin’s advanced weather detection and avoidance systems. Operators can optionally equip a second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) capability to enable more direct routing between North America and Europe.
Power comes from two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines that provide increased thrust and improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 441 knots true airspeed (817 km/h), a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km), and a full-fuel payload of 900 pounds (408 kilograms). An unattended Honeywell RE100XL auxiliary power unit with automated self-management and bleed leak detection allows pilots to prepare for flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and noise.
Inside the cabin, the Citation Ascend features design elements from the larger Cessna Citation Latitude and Longitude, such as a flat floor for extra legroom and layout flexibility. The aircraft seats up to 12 passengers and has advanced acoustic treatments that keep cabin sound levels similar to those of a car driving on a highway. New cabin windows are about 15 percent larger than previous models, providing more natural light and offering both translucent and opaque shade settings with optional illuminated window rings.
Every passenger and crew member has access to at least one charging port, with 19 standard USB outlets, three universal AC outlets, and wireless phone charging available. Cabin lighting, temperature, window shades, and entertainment systems can all be controlled wirelessly.
Connectivity options include standard Gogo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi, with upgrades to Gogo U.S. Avance L5 or Gogo Galileo HDX for global broadband connectivity and worldwide calling.
About the Author
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.