Textron Aviation announced the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series — the Cessna Citation Ascend in Geneva on 22 May 2023. The Citation Ascend, which was unveiled on the eve of this week’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), is designed with a completely new cockpit, enhanced performance, and a more opulent cabin. Visitors to EBACE will have access to a brand-new Citation Ascend mock up that will make its premiere at the event. The aircraft, which is currently in development, is scheduled to go into service in 2025 and is suitable for charter services, personal transportation or corporate flight departments.
“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. 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.”
Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation
The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics featuring the latest software and hardware, including:
- Second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)
Operators will have the versatility and flexibility needed to complete any task with the Citation Ascend, both today and in the future. Customers will also enjoy many of the luxuries available in the best-selling Citation Latitude and flagship Citation Longitude. This is made easier with a common Garmin cockpit, which is essential for customers who operate numerous Citations.
The Citation Ascend will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, which are designed to provide improved fuel efficiency, higher thrust, and longer time-on-wing. A more effective high-pressure compressor, an improved single stage high-pressure turbine module, and an improved exhaust mixer are just a few examples of the innovative materials and technologies used in the engines. Additionally, the PW545D engines include a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which enables the new autothrottle technology, ensures they run as efficiently as possible, and lessens the stress on the pilot.
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 kts
- And the ability to climb direct to 45,000 ft
Design improvements on the aircraft deliver the ability to carry a higher combination of payload and fuel load while retaining access to short runways. With four passengers at high-speed cruise power, 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. It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.”
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations
The Citation Ascend will include an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection. The unattended operation capability of the APU allows pilots to prepare for every flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and less noise.
The company worked with a Customer Advisory Board of owners, pilots, mechanics and passengers throughout the design process to better understand what customers seek in the ultimate aircraft experience.
With a fully customizable interior, customers can select from a range of standard and optional features to best meet their needs. 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. The design gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin.”
Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience
Based on customer feedback, Textron Aviation created the Citation Ascend seats for maximum comfort, putting passengers in an ideal seating position. Customers can even choose the degree of cushion firmness when constructing the cabin of their aircraft. The aircraft can accommodate up to a maximum of 12 people in total, with a typical seating arrangement for nine passengers.
The main cabin seats will feature an electrically controlled release for swivel and tracking on the seat pedestal. Optional seat quilting, footrests, and electrically controlled lumbar support make the flight more relaxing while side-facing seats will feature fold-down seat backs to provide additional in-flight accessible storage space.
Customers will be able to wirelessly control the cabin lighting, temperature, window shades and onboard entertainment. There is also an option for a Bongiovi sound system.
The Citation Ascend will include brand-new cabin windows that are almost 15% bigger and provide more natural light. These windows also feature translucent and opaque shade settings, wireless shade management, and an optional lit window ring to improve lighting and mood in the cabin.
The Citation Ascend will come with standard GoGo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi and optional U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi to keep consumers connected at all times. Optional Aviator 300 for Wi-Fi and global calling is also available.
Every seat on the Citation Ascend will have power with all staff and passengers having access to at least one charging port, first-rate wireless phone charging, and three standard universal outlets thanks to the aircraft’s 19 standard USB charging ports.
The aircraft will have advanced acoustic treatment technology, similar to what is found in the Citation Latitude, to ensure a tranquil and serene flight as part of the finest customer experience. Passengers can converse, work, or rest in a distraction-free atmosphere with sound levels comparable to driving a car down the highway. In the Citation Ascend, customers will arrive focused, centred, and prepared for what comes next.
“The Citation Ascend will offer all the best features of the 560XL series, and elevate the experience for both pilots and passengers. We designed the aircraft based on customer feedback and there’s nothing else like it.”
Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience
The Citation Ascend is designed to improve upon the 560XL series’ best-in-class maintenance intervals. Textron Aviation expects the aircraft to offer the following for customers enrolled in the company’s PowerAdvantage program:
The aircraft also will include more standard equipment to support troubleshooting, such as:
- Textron Aviation’s Aircraft Recording System, tracking over 9,000 parameters during operations to support troubleshooting and trend monitoring
Customers will enjoy a trifecta of superior warranties on the engine, paint and interior for elevated peace of mind, including:
A revised wingtip for cleaner lines and edges, all-LED lighting, and a pylon work light over the baggage area for easier loading at night are just a few of the design enhancements the aircraft will include as a result of 20 years of customer feedback. A new bigger cockpit side window adds to the modern appeal.
The Citation Ascend will be able to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), just as all other Cessna and Beechcraft turbine products. Customers will have the choice to receive their aircraft with SAF, and they can refuel with SAF whenever it is possible, including at the company’s Wichita Service Centre.
The manufacturer is dedicated to environmentally responsible production, and the interior materials used in the aircraft are sourced sustainably. Additionally, Textron Aviation makes use of pretreatment facilities for industrial wastewater and an extensive recycling programme. In 2022, Textron Aviation used only renewable wind energy to power all of its Kansas-based businesses, according to the company’s energy provider.
The company plans to amend the 560XL type certification of the aircraft, so that pilots can transition to the Ascend through a simple approved differences course — making training easier and more cost-effective for customers.
“Our talented team members at Textron Aviation have proven their ability to bring new industry-leading products to the market time and time again. We look forward to exceeding our customers’ expectations again with the new Cessna Citation Ascend.”
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operation
Textron Aviation is taking orders for the Ascend. EBACE attendees can preview the Citation Ascend interior mock-up at Textron Aviation booth T-26 during the show.
For more information and aircraft specifics, head over to cessna.com/ascend
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Photos courtesy of Cessna/ Textron Aviation
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