Textron Aviation Advances Cessna Citation Ascend Certification with Successful Second Flight Test, Accumulating Over 400 Flight Hours.
Textron Aviation announced the successful flight of its second Citation Ascend flight test article (P1), advancing certification efforts. This milestone strengthens momentum for the newest Citation business jet. This achievement follows the Ascend prototype’s first flight in 2023. It marks the P1 as the first conforming production flight test aircraft. It highlights significant progress in the certification process.. The milestone advances the testing and certification process, showcasing Textron Aviation’s commitment to the Cessna Citation Ascend program. The P1 flight underscores the company’s focus on high-performance business jets.
Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering, Textron Aviation, said “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.”
The initial flight of the P1 aircraft, piloted by Michael Bradfield and Maurice Girard, lasted 1 hour and 24 minutes. During the flight, the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 13,500 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 308 knots. This aircraft will now be utilized in the comprehensive flight test program. Specifically, it will focus on systems testing, ensuring thorough evaluation. Key areas of this testing include propulsion, human factors, environmental control, and avionics. Moreover, this step is essential for ensuring the aircraft meets all performance and safety standards before it enters service.
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The Citation Ascend certification program will complete testing with two articles, the prototype and P1. Consequently, this ensures comprehensive evaluation and certification. Notably, the program has already accumulated over 400 flight hours to date. This progress, furthermore, underscores the rigorous testing and evaluation needed to meet all regulatory standards and performance benchmarks. It ensures, therefore, the aircraft’s compliance and safety.
Q. – What was the maximum altitude reached during the P1 flight?
A. – 13,500 feet.
Q. – How many flight hours has the certification program accumulated?
A. – Over 400 flight hours.
