Textron Aviation unveils new jet
The Cessna Citation Ascend is the newest aircraft in the 560XL series, and will feature Pratt & Whitney’s new PW545D engine
The aircraft, currently in development, was unveiled on the eve of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, and is due to be launched in 2025.
Textron stated that the Ascend has a four-passenger range of 1,900NM (3,519km) at high-speed cruise power, with a cruise speed of 441kt (817km/h), and an ability to climb to 45,000ft, based on preliminary performance targets.
A new engine design
The Citation Ascend features a new cockpit design equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics, as well as improved performance, courtesy of Pratt & Whitney’s new PW545D turbofan engine.
“The PW545D is the latest engine in [the P500] family,” said Nicholas Kanellias, Vice President for General Aviation at Pratt & Whitney. “This new engine is even more fuel-efficient, offers greater thrust and an increased time between overhauls (TBO) of up to 6,000 hours for eligible customers.”
Additionally, the Ascend’s airframe will offer 18-month or 800-hour airframe maintenance intervals.
The Ascend’s PW545D engine features full authority digital engine control (FADEC), enabling the Citation Ascend to integrate auto-throttle capabilities into its design. The engine also supports the integration of advanced digital health monitoring and diagnostics sensors, and can operate on blends of up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in combination with conventional Jet A kerosene, allowing operators to substantially reduce their level of CO2 emissions.
Modern technology in the cockpit
The new cockpit design features three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities, synthetic vision to render obstacles, modern weather detection and avoidance technology.
The Citation Ascend will also feature GoGo US Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi as standard, with options for US Avance L5 Wi-Fi, or Aviator 300 for Wi-Fi and worldwide calling.
The Cessna Citation family of aircraft is a popular choice for international air ambulance providers. African aeromedical provider AMREF Flying Doctors operates a range of Citation aircraft, including one 560XLS – a predecessor of the upcoming Ascend.