Story ID: 
Textron Aviation’s Citation Ascend Gets FAA Nod
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Aircraft was launched at EBACE 2023 and rolled out in September
Word Count: 569
Textron Aviation received FAA certification for its Cessna Citation Ascend on November 5, one of a trio of approvals for new variants that the Wichita airframer has secured in recent months. In addition to the Ascend, Textron Aviation was awarded FAA nods for its CJ3 Gen2 and M2 Gen2 with autothrottle.
As for the latest iteration of the Excel/XLS midsize jet family, the Ascend brings a flat floor to the family, along with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and improved performance. Slated for delivery this year, NetJets is anticipated to be the launch customer.
Coming amid the government shutdown, certification followed the debut of the aircraft at NBAA-BACE in October and the rollout of the first production model in September at Textron Aviation’s headquarters in Wichita. FAA approval followed more than 1,000 flight hours accrued on two flight test articles, 
The avionics suite includes autothrottle; three large 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays with split-screen capability; standard dual flight management systems, synthetic vision system; cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver for flight deck satellite calls; Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology; and a second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot datalink communications (optional).
Additionally, the aircraft sports upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines that provide improved fuel efficiency and increased thrust. The Ascend has a maximum speed of  441 ktas, a maximum range of 1,940 nm, and a full fuel payload of 900 pounds.
Another addition is an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] auxiliary power unit that enables heating and cooling of the cabin using less fuel and more quietly.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes is the flat floor, which provides for cabin flexibility and ease of seat movement with more legroom. Capable of seating up to 12 passengers, the cabin folds in many upgraded amenities already found on its larger Citation siblings, the Latitude and Longitude.
Meanwhile, following 445 flight test hours, the latest CJ3 approval brings “the most comprehensive Citation Gen2 investment to market,” Textron Aviation said.
The Gen2 upgrade features autothrottles integrated in the Garmin 3000 software suite, an additional 4.5 inches of pilot legroom, and a fully customizable cabin. Along with the autothrottles, Textron Aviation is offering an optional enhanced vision system to improve situational awareness.
With a touchscreen interface, the Gen2 incorporates a GDL60 datalink for aircraft connectivity, providing for remote transmission of flight plans, automatic database updates, and wireless transmission of aircraft diagnostic data.
As for the eight- to nine-passenger interior, customers can tailor the cabin for their missions, including seats with tracking capability and optional swivel functionality. .Textron Aviation is offering an optional high-power outlet for a coffee machine, ice, and trash storage. Another new feature is CoolView skylights in the lavatory and an optional sink and vanity design with a dedicated water supply. The CJ3 Gen2 includes an externally serviceable lavatory.
Powered by Williams FJ44-3A turbofan engines, the aircraft has a maximum range of 2,040 nm and a useful payload of 5,530 pounds.
Also equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics, the latest M2 Gen2 approval brings autothrottles to Textron Aviation’s smallest jet, enabling greater control and precision for pilots, optimizing power of the Williams FJ44-1AP-21 turbofans, simplifying flight management, and increasing overall operating efficiency. Certification was the culmination of nearly 300 flight-test hours. 
 
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