Summary
- The second test article for the Citation Ascend, P1, completed its first successful test flight, reaching 13,500 feet and 308 knots.
- Textron Aviation pilots Michael Bradfield and Maurice Girard conducted the one-hour and 24-minute flight of P1 on June 13.
- The Citation Ascend program aims to certify and develop the aircraft further through testing propulsion, human factors, environmental control systems, and avionics upgrades.
On Thursday, June 13, Textron Aviation, which is the parent company of Cessna Aircraft Company, announced that the second test article of the Citation Ascend program had completed its first test flight. The second test article has been designated as P1. The first Citation Ascend prototype has been flying for several months, as the program builds hours for its certification and further development. It first flew in 2023. So far, the program itself has accumulated more than 400 flight hours.
First flight for P1
As previously mentioned, the second Citation Ascend took flight for the first time on Thursday, June 13. The flight itself lasted approximately one hour and 24 minutes. P1 reached an altitude of 13,500 feet, and it also reached a top speed of 308 knots (354 miles per hour). The flight was conducted by Textron Aviation pilots Michael Bradfield and Maurice Girard.
The Senior Vice President of Engineering at Textron Aviation, Chris Hearne, spoke about the significant milestone of the Citation Ascend program. He stated,
“Today’s successful flight of the second Citation Ascend test article marks another achievement for the program, and that’s a testament to the many great employees involved with this project. The aircraft has continued to perform well through the phases of testing, and I continue to be confident in the program’s momentum and in our skilled team members who make it possible.”
Textron Aviation intends to use the second Citation Ascend for the majority of certification and development efforts. This includes testing the propulsion system, human factors, the environmental control system, and the avionics upgrades.
About the Citation Ascend
Textron Aviation first unveiled the Citation Ascend program in 2023 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). The Citation Ascend is the latest upgrade to the Citation Excel line of business jets. This is one of the most successful business jet lines in the world. Over 1,000 have been delivered, and per the Robb Report, the Citation Excel family of aircraft has held the title for most flight hours of business jets in 19 of the last 22 years.
The Citation Excel was first announced in October 1994, and it was later introduced in 1996. This aircraft featured two Pratt & Whitney PW545 turbofan engines, a cruciform tail, and a supercritical wing that was similar to the Citation V. It had the same fuselage cross-section as the Citation X.
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto | Shutterstock
After the success of the first model, Cessna released a major upgrade to the model. In 2004, Cessna unveiled the Citation XLS, which featured upgraded engines and an upgraded cockpit that included the Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS avionics suite. In 2008, Cessna released another upgrade, which was later designated the XLS+. This included another set of upgraded engines that were installed with FADEC engine controls. It also featured the Collins Pro Line 21 Avionics suite and a redesigned nose.
The newly announced Citation Ascend was introduced in May 2023. This featured another new avionics suite, further engine improvements, and several interior upgrades. The interior upgrades featured a flat cabin floor, enlarged windows, and a new seat style. Textron Aviation intends to bring the Citation Ascend into service in 2025.