Cessna Citation Ascend Test Program Advances with Successful Flight of Second Test Aircraft

Cessna Citation Ascend P1 (Source: Business Wire)

Textron Aviation has reached a significant milestone in developing the Cessna Citation Ascend, as its second flight test, designated P1, successfully took to the skies. This achievement marks a crucial step towards the aircraft's certification, positioning the Citation Ascend on track to enter service by 2025.

Cessna Citation Ascend P1 (Source: Business Wire)

The P1 aircraft, the first conforming production flight test model, complements the prototype with its maiden flight in 2023. The Citation Ascend was unveiled at the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), generating significant interest within the aviation community.

Successful Test Flight Details

Piloted by Michael Bradfield and Maurice Girard, the inaugural flight of the P1 lasted 1 hour and 24 minutes. During this flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of 13,500 feet and achieved a speed of 308 knots. This flight is the first in a series of tests to validate the aircraft's systems, including propulsion, human factors, environmental control, and avionics.

Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Textron Aviation, expressed his confidence in the program's momentum, stating, "The successful flight of P1 is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. We are making significant progress towards certification and look forward to the continued advancement of the Citation Ascend program."

Certification Program Progress

The comprehensive certification program, leveraging the prototype and the P1 test aircraft, has already accumulated over 400 flight hours. These extensive testing efforts ensure the aircraft meets all regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

The Citation Ascend has been designed with customer feedback at its core. It features Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, renowned for their fuel efficiency and thrust capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics, which include advanced autothrottle technology and a Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the jet.

Passenger Comfort and Modern Amenities

One of the standout features of the Citation Ascend is its commitment to passenger comfort and modern amenities. The aircraft boasts a flat floor design, providing increased legroom for passengers. It also includes 19 USB charging ports and three universal outlets, ensuring passengers can stay connected and powered up throughout their journey. The standard seating configuration accommodates nine passengers comfortably, making it an ideal business and leisure travel choice.

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Looking Ahead

With its anticipated entry into service in 2025, the Cessna Citation Ascend is poised to offer operators and passengers a blend of performance, efficiency, and comfort, setting a new standard in its class. Textron Aviation’s ongoing efforts and milestones, like the recent successful test flight, underscore their commitment to delivering cutting-edge aviation solutions.