Cessna Citation Ascend Achieves FAA Certification

Textron Aviation has achieved a significant milestone with the FAA certification of its latest midsize business jet, the Cessna Citation Ascend. This accomplishment represents a crucial step towards its service launch later this year, reinforcing Ascend's status as the next advancement in the world's most successful midsize jet family.

Designed and manufactured at Textron Aviation’s Wichita headquarters, the Citation Ascend represents a complete reimagining of the proven Citation 560XL series, which has delivered over 1,000 aircraft since its debut in 2000. Building on that strong heritage, the Ascend combines cutting-edge avionics, improved performance, and a completely redesigned flat-floor cabin to offer operators unmatched versatility, comfort, and efficiency.

“The Citation Ascend’s successful flight test program reflects our team’s deep expertise in achieving FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation. “We actively sought customer input throughout the process, and the result is a jet that embodies the latest innovations in performance, productivity, and efficiency.”

Central to the Ascend's modernisation is its brand-new cockpit, centred around the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. Pilots will experience reduced workload and improved flight-envelope protection thanks to autothrottle technology. The flight deck features three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays with split-screen functionality, dual flight management systems, synthetic vision, and sophisticated weather detection and avoidance tools.

The aircraft also features a cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver for global satellite calling and a second Iridium data radio with controller–pilot data link communications (CPDLC) capability, allowing more direct routing on transatlantic flights between North America and Europe.

The Ascend is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, which provide enhanced thrust and fuel efficiency. The jet can reach a top cruise speed of 441 knots and has a maximum range of 1,940 nautical miles while carrying a full-fuel payload of 900 pounds.

Supporting the Ascend’s operational flexibility is an unattended Honeywell RE100[XL] auxiliary power unit (APU) with self-management and enhanced bleed-leak detection. This feature allows crews to prepare the aircraft for flight efficiently, providing heating and cooling on the ground with reduced fuel burn and lower noise.

Within the cabin, Textron Aviation has transformed passenger comfort by integrating numerous design principles from its popular Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude models. The flat-floor layout provides ample legroom and cabin versatility, allowing for up to 12 passengers in different configurations.

An advanced acoustic treatment system guarantees a peaceful and serene environment, with cabin noise levels similar to a car travelling on the highway. Passengers benefit from new, larger windows, which are 15% bigger than earlier models, allowing natural light to fill the cabin. The shades can be adjusted from translucent to opaque, and optional illuminated window rings further enhance the cabin's ambience.

Connectivity and convenience have been elevated across the board. Each passenger and crew member has access to USB charging ports (19 in total), three universal outlets, and wireless phone charging. Cabin lighting, temperature, window shades, and entertainment can be managed seamlessly through wireless cabin control, while the optional Bongiovi immersive sound system delivers an exceptional in-flight audio experience.

To ensure passengers remain connected worldwide, the Ascend comes standard with Gogo Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi and offers Avance L5 and Gogo Galileo HDX options for global Wi-Fi and calling.

The Citation Ascend's certification comes after an extensive flight test campaign with two prototype aircraft that accumulated over 1,000 flight hours and numerous certification evaluations. This results in a midsize jet that combines advanced technology, exceptional performance, and passenger luxury, key features that have made the 560XL series the most popular in its category.

Having received FAA certification and with entry into service on the horizon, the Citation Ascend is poised to set a new benchmark in midsize business aviation. As Textron Aviation advances its esteemed Citation series, the Ascend underscores the company's innovative leadership and commitment to delivering aircraft that cater to the needs of both present and future operators.