Textron Aviation has announced that its Cessna Citation Ascend has been awarded Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification, ahead of its planned entry into service later this year. The aircraft notably features a new cockpit, improved performance and a flat floor cabin.
Two flight test articles completed more than 1,000 flight hours and numerous certification tests to achieve FAA certification.
“The Citation Ascend’s successful flight test programme 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, engineering & programmes, Textron Aviation. “We sought our customers’ feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity and efficiency.”
The new Cessna Citation Ascend cockpit features Garmin G5000 avionics, along with the following technology:
- Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection
- Three large, 14in ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities
- Standard dual flight management systems
- Synthetic vision technology to render obstacles like mountains or terrain
- Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit
- Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology
- Second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines deliver fuel efficiency and increased thrust to the aircraft. The Ascend gives customers a maximum speed of 441ktas (817km/h), a maximum range of 1,940nm (3,593km) and a 900lb (408kg) full fuel payload. Meanwhile, an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] auxiliary power unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection allows pilots to prepare for every flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and less noise.
Textron Aviation has equipped the Citation Ascend with an advanced acoustic treatment system that makes cabin sound levels similar to inside a car driving down a highway. The aircraft is also fitted with large cabin windows that allow good levels of natural light into the cabin, with translucent and opaque shade settings and optional lighted window rings.
All crew and passengers have access to at least one charging port with 19 standard USB charging ports and three universal outlets throughout the aircraft, in addition to first-in-class wireless phone charging. Customers can wirelessly control the cabin lighting, temperature, window shades and onboard entertainment, and the Bongiovi immersive sound system is another option to further enhance the onboard experience.
To keep customers connected, the Ascend includes standard GoGo U.S. Avance L3 Max wi-fi and optional U.S. Avance L5 wi-fi. Customers can also select Gogo Galileo HDX for wi-fi and worldwide calling.
The Citation Ascend features many of the luxury elements found in the Cessna Citation Latitude and flagship Cessna Citation Longitude models, such as a flat floor to provide generous legroom and flexibility for passengers. The aircraft can be configured for up to 12 passengers.
