Textron announces Cessna Citation Ascend

The newest arrival Cessna Citation business jet in the 560XL series, the Cessna Citation Ascend, has been announced by Textron Aviation.

Unveiled on the eve of this week’s EBACE 2023, the Citation Ascend features a new cockpit and improved performance. EBACE attendees will have access to a Citation Ascend mock up debuting during the show. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

“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,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “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.”

The Citation Ascend will have Garmin G5000 avionics, including autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection, three 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities and synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain.

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency to the predecessor, also give the Ascend increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The aircraft has a four-passenger range of 1,900nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100nm) it can cruise at 441kts and climb direct to 45,000 ft. It will also include an unattended Honeywell RE100 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection.

Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations, said: “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. 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.”

EBACE attendees can preview the Citation Ascend interior mock-up at Textron Aviation booth T-26 during the show.