FAA Certifies Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation Ascend
Textron Aviation has reached a significant milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration’s type certification of the Cessna Citation Ascend business jet on November 5. This updated variant of the manufacturer’s 12-passenger midsize Citation Excel comes with enhanced avionics, improved performance capabilities, and an entirely new cockpit design with a flat-floor cabin configuration.
“The aircraft boasts an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and luxurious flat-floor cabin, giving customers versatility and flexibility to accomplish their mission,” stated Textron Aviation.
The Ascend, powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D turbofans, completed over 1,000 flight hours during certification testing. The jet delivers a maximum speed of 441 knots, a range of 1,940 nautical miles, and a 900-pound full-fuel payload.
The aircraft features Garmin’s G5000 avionic package with three 14-inch cockpit displays, synthetic vision system, and autothrottle technology. Textron expects the first Ascend to enter service before year-end, adding to the more than 1,000 aircraft delivered in the Excel family since 2000.