Textron Aviation continues to advance the Cessna Citation Ascend programme following the successful completion by the prototype aircraft of numerous certification tests and more than 350 flight test hours. The Citation Ascend business jet is an upgraded variant of the 560XL and is expected to enter into service in 2025.

This latest Citation is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft's avionics include autothrottle, high payload capacity and impressive range, and offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther.

"With the prototype aircraft's successful completion of rigorous certification tests and over 350 flight test hours, we are confident in the development progress of the Citation Ascend," says Chris Hearne, senior vice president, engineering and programmes. "The success of the programme to date highlights the skill and commitment of our teams in designing and delivering the best aviation experience for customers."

The Citation Ascend prototype aircraft has successfully completed testing that includes:

- Extreme hot and cold weather testing, ensuring aircraft systems are functional and operational at extreme temperatures

- Bird strike

- Braking performance

- Tyre burst

- Cockpit and cabin window static and residual strength

The aircraft's systems simulator test rig, known as an iron bird, continues to make strides in its development and support of the programme advancement. Leveraging unique Textron Aviation engineering and manufacturing techniques, the test system incorporates the design of the aircraft's avionics, electrical and engine control systems to support pilot familiarisation and flight scenarios.

The Citation Ascend features Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, type certified by Transport Canada Civil Aviation earlier this month, that are designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing for eligible customers. The engine uses new materials and technology, including a more efficient high-pressure compressor and an enhanced single stage high-pressure turbine module. The PW545D engines are also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), enabling the new autothrottle technology and ensuring they operate at their maximum efficiency and with reduced pilot workload.

Textron Aviation designed the Citation Ascend based on customer feedback for ultimate performance and comfort. With sleek and modern features, customers will enjoy many of the luxuries found in the bestselling Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, including a flat floor to provide generous legroom and flexibility for passengers. The aircraft will offer Garmin G5000 avionics that feature the latest software and hardware, including autothrottle technology, and features a Honeywell RE100 [XL] auxiliary power unit approved for unattended operations.

With 19 standard USB charging ports and three universal outlets throughout the aircraft, all crew and passengers will enjoy access to at least one charging port. The aircraft has a standard seating configuration of nine passengers.