#231 TEXTRON visit during the Composites360onTour at AERO 2026 | Citation Ascend: Precision Use of Composites in Next-Gen Business Aviation Systems
18.06.2026 15 min Staffel 5 Episode 189
Zusammenfassung & Show Notes
At AERO 2026, the Composites360onTour format visits Textron Aviation to explore the next evolution in business jet design: the Cessna Citation Ascend. In this interview, Ilkay Özkisaoglu and Norbert Werle (Jet Circle) speak with Jimmy Beese, VP Product Development at Textron Aviation, covering both aircraft comfort and performance as well as the engineering logic behind composite materials.
On the aircraft side, the Citation Ascend is presented as a refined evolution of the proven 560XL platform. The discussion highlights key upgrades including the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, and aerodynamic refinements that extend range to approximately 1,940 nautical miles.
The cabin has been redesigned with a flat-floor configuration, larger windows, and improved seating concepts, offering enhanced passenger comfort while maintaining operational efficiency.
The conversation then shifts into the engineering domain, where the focus turns to composites and material selection. Rather than presenting composites as a dominant solution, Jimmy Beese outlines a targeted, application-driven approach:
• Composites are used in specific components and control surfaces, both internally and externally
• Integration is driven by weight sensitivity and functional requirements
• Aircraft design relies on a hybrid material architecture, balancing metals and composites
A key insight from the interview is the shift away from material-driven trends toward problem-oriented engineering decisions. Composites are applied where they provide measurable value—not as a default solution.
The discussion also provides perspective on product development strategy, emphasizing a customer-first approach that translates operational needs into engineering solutions.
This interview is particularly relevant for:
• Aerospace engineers and designers
• Composites and materials specialists
• Professionals in MRO, certification, and product development
It offers a grounded view of how modern aircraft are engineered—where comfort, performance, and material science converge within real-world constraints.
About Composites360onTour
Exploring materials, structures, and engineering decisions across aerospace and mobility. Real teams. Real technology. Real innovation.
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YouTube Episode:
On the aircraft side, the Citation Ascend is presented as a refined evolution of the proven 560XL platform. The discussion highlights key upgrades including the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, and aerodynamic refinements that extend range to approximately 1,940 nautical miles.
The cabin has been redesigned with a flat-floor configuration, larger windows, and improved seating concepts, offering enhanced passenger comfort while maintaining operational efficiency.
The conversation then shifts into the engineering domain, where the focus turns to composites and material selection. Rather than presenting composites as a dominant solution, Jimmy Beese outlines a targeted, application-driven approach:
• Composites are used in specific components and control surfaces, both internally and externally
• Integration is driven by weight sensitivity and functional requirements
• Aircraft design relies on a hybrid material architecture, balancing metals and composites
A key insight from the interview is the shift away from material-driven trends toward problem-oriented engineering decisions. Composites are applied where they provide measurable value—not as a default solution.
The discussion also provides perspective on product development strategy, emphasizing a customer-first approach that translates operational needs into engineering solutions.
This interview is particularly relevant for:
• Aerospace engineers and designers
• Composites and materials specialists
• Professionals in MRO, certification, and product development
It offers a grounded view of how modern aircraft are engineered—where comfort, performance, and material science converge within real-world constraints.
About Composites360onTour
Exploring materials, structures, and engineering decisions across aerospace and mobility. Real teams. Real technology. Real innovation.
🌐🔗Visit Our Website:
▶Website 1: https://www.dersocialceo.com
▶Website 2: https://www.compositeslounge.com
▶Website 3: https://www.imbeo.de
▶Website 4: https://www.contentcreatorclub.de
🌐🔗Follow Us: LinkedIn
▶
/ imbeo ▶
/ content-creator-club ▶
/ compositeslounge ▶
/ der-social-ceo #️⃣🔥Hashtag:
#Composites360OnTour #JECWorld #IlkayÖzkisaoglu #JECWorld #CompositeIndustry
YouTube Episode:
Transkript
So now we are with the JET-Circle
here at the Textron stand.
Thanks to Jimmy that you joined us here
to give us the highlight,
because you will present now
for the first time in Europe,
the Citation Ascent.
Tell us a little bit. What is that?
So absolutely.
Thank you for stopping by.
We have many reasons to be excited
about being here this year,
and not the least of which
is the European debut
of the Citation Ascent.
It's a fantastic aircraft.
It continues to be
a great performer for us.
Built on the platform of the 560 XL,
taking the place of the XLS Gen
2 in our product line,
but it brings in a new cockpit
with G 5000 Garmin G 5000 avionics
coupled with engine upgrades,
and the Pratt and Whitney Canada
545 D engines
with improved specific fuel
consumption, which extends range
by about 100 nautical miles.
-So how much less fuel
is it burning compared to the XLS?
-So we're quantifying that in terms
of nautical miles
that you pick up in room.
So you pick up
about 100 nautical miles in range.
So it's about a 1940 nautical mile
for passenger range.
So 5% plus approximately.
-Absolutely. So bringing great benefit
to our customers,
both from a a performance perspective
but also a comfort perspective.
So you get things
like increased technology in the cabin
with USB-C charging,
wireless charging trays,
variable seat comfort.
So you now have options in terms
of seat padding in your cabin seat.
So our customers can configure the cabin
both from a layout perspective
but also a comfort perspective.
So you can see some of the enhancements
from the outside of the airplane.
So the windshield now drops
the bleeder eyelets for rain removal
and de-icing goes to a more
of a latitude longitude style windscreen.
So it improves the appearance
of the aircraft.
Improves the function of the aircraft.
The wing looks a little bit cleaner.
We've cleaned up the wing
and you now have
a new aesthetically pleasing wingtip.
So it improves that ramp presence as well.
So we're kind of meeting
every facet of operations
with this redesign.
And what is inside the cabin
then the major change?
So a major change being what
you'll notice first,
right off the bat
when you walk in are two things.
One is the flat floor.
You now have options,
flat floor being the standard,
but you can opt to go back
to the traditional
drop aisle configuration.
Yeah. And then
you also have a new cabin seat.
So it's a sports style seat
with variable comfort options
in terms of cushion with electric release
that improve the functionality of the seat
and the ease of mobility
throughout the cabin.
And the windows?
-Yeah, windows are about 15% larger, so.
That makes the difference.
-It makes a huge difference.
So both in the aesthetics of the airplane,
but also the natural light
that it allows into the cabin,
so gives it a bigger,
more roomy overall feel.
-Wonderful. So we need to have now a look
inside the cabin.
-You need to get a look for yourself.
I can talk about it all day long,
but you're not going to experience it
truly until you get in for yourself.
-How often did you fly already
in the Ascend?
-I have that distinct privilege
of being able to fly on it
somewhat regularly.
And it's a truly
an exceptional experience,
so we're excited to get it
in front of our customers
and get it out into the field.
-Cool. So that's so much about the Ascent,
but your line up here is much more
the Longitude, the M2 and so on.
Let's go to the M2 for a short moment
because it's now the Gen two.
And that means also it's the smallest jet
that you are offering
and also the most fuel efficient jet.
-Yes it is our light entry offering.
So it is the smallest part
23 jet that we offer.
But we're excited to show you
that as well.
Okay. And how is it now.
It is still bigger
than the Mustang was, right?
-Yep. It's a little bit bigger tube
a little bit longer.
It is bigger than the Mustang.
So it's a 5.25 type rating.
So same type rating
as the CJ3 and CJ4 family of aircraft.
So that makes it easy for our pilots,
our operators to transition through.
Yeah. But your cockpit
is going to be very similar.
So a GE 3000 cockpit now
with auto throttles.
And of course, right on the heels of that,
we have announced the Gen three
that we're working to certify
that pulls in emergency autoland.
-Autoland will be also done on the M2
and from the fuel efficient point of view.
How does it compare
with the Ascent approximately?
It's probably like half or most
of the fuel consumption or.
-Yeah, it's certainly less.
What's great about the way
we design our aircraft is,
you know, fuel consumption
or reducing fuel consumption
is always at the forefront of our mind
when we design them.
So again. I don't think our customers
would experience
double the fuel consumption.
I don't think just by going up
inside you should expect
to see dramatic increases
in fuel consumption.
But yes, just by nature of weight and size
and different aerodynamic design,
you would see
a change in fuel consumption. Sure.
-Okay. But still the most efficient
small light jet that you have.
Absolutely. Line up very nice.
And let's have a look in the M2
and the Longitude afterwards.
But let's start with the Ascent.
-Great place to start. Thanks. Thank you.
Jimmy. Thank you. Great to meet you here.
-Great to be here.
So this is Aero Day one 2026
with the nicest and best weather.
Just like last year.
Very blue sky.
Jimmy, how do you like AERO 2026 so far?
-Oh it's fantastic.
It's packed with people
and the weather is beautiful,
as you mentioned.
So you really couldn't ask
for a better show.
Jimmy, by the way, dear community,
he's the VP of product development
at Textron, would we say, yes?
And yeah, we were going to talk
about composite parts,
the engineering part of the planes.
My partner Norbert
had already a chat with him
about the nice flying,
the comfortable flying.
But now let's dive into the technology.
Into the engineering. Do you fly yourself?
I don't. I'm not a pilot,
but I have the distinct pleasure
of being able to operate on our aircraft
quite frequently.
So when I experience a plane,
I'm looking at it
from multiple perspectives,
not only as a pilot or a pilot would,
but also as a passenger
or an owner operator.
Tell us a bit about your very briefly,
the product development
are there different departments
or how do you operate
as product development?
So before we come into the first part.
Yeah. So as in any I guess the product
development department or organization,
we certainly have multiple facets
to how we approach it.
But I think what is similar
and what is somewhat unique
is that it starts with the customer first
and the customer experience,
whether you're a pilot
or you're a what we would call
turn right customer who experiences
more of a cabin focused experience.
We're trying to view it
from all of those perspectives.
So it starts with our customer first
and how they use that airplane
before we go and start redesigning
or implementing
new technology to your point.
-So you have a view customer
first get his comfort right,
his safety right.
And then would we say reverse engineer
to the to the product?
Yeah. It's like what you're trying to do
is establish what
you're trying to solve for.
We don't just go do change for change sake
is you're wanting to make
and create meaningful change
for your customers.
So yes, you start with what a customer
is trying to achieve and then you
back your way into that solution.
Excellent mindset I like that.
So let's talk about my community, Jimmy
is about composites.
And I have a view on composites,
which is very wide.
But for the aerospace sake,
let's narrow it down
to thermoplastic thermoset composites,
fiber reinforced polymers.
So does your nice.
What is this? This is this.
-The Citation Ascent.
The Citation Ascent.
Does this has any composite part?
I know it's a rhetoric question
but let's get
a professional answer to that.
-So composites aren't something
that are a new concept of Textron Aviation
or Beechcraft or Cessna
brands we've been working
with composites for years.
We've done composite fuselages.
Composite wings.
I'd say what's more prevalent today
are composite features
or composite components of the aircraft.
So you'll see composites
both in the interior engineering
and interior manufacturing process,
but you'll also see them externally
on some of the control surfaces
and certain features of the aircraft
to either lessen weight or improve weight.
And because, as you know,
aircraft are very weight
sensitive machines. So we'll incorporate
composite manufacturing
and composite features when necessary
to try and achieve those those goals.
Are there any trends in the fiber
reinforced plastics in composites
right now that you follow?
Are you going more towards carbon fiber
or fiberglass products?
Are there any trends
that you can sense these days?
-I don't know
if there's any trends I can sense.
I'd say what's the trend is getting a say?
I think what you've seen in the past
are trends that try to go one way
or the other,
and they try to go on larger scale.
I think the trend you're seeing
is a more focused approach
to implementing composite materials
when it makes most sense.
So let's do it again.
Going back to my comment
on let's not just
do change for changes sake,
but let's implement the correct technology
at the correct time in the correct place.
If that's an answer to you.
-Absolutely it is.
Yes. Thank you so much, Jimmy
for these insights
on the plane manufacturing.
Of course. And enjoy the rest of the show.
You too. Thank you so much.
: Ilkay Özkisaoglu at AERO
2026 #Composites360ontour :
materials, structures
and engineering decisions.
This is why I'm here to cover you
these decisions that have to be made
regarding engineering,
technology and sustainability.
I am Ilkay, I focus
on the engineering side of aviation.
I'm mostly interested
in how these things
get to fly the manufacturing side.
Technology and engineering.
Innovations that make these gears fly.
Real Teams, real Technology,
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Join me when we go into the details.
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Communities. All in one place.
The topics in aviation
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of course, are sustainability.
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of course. That's why we are here.
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If you are in the aviation industry,
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but also in the automotive industry,
all these parts
that you are seeing here on the wings
and on the winglets
are made from composite materials,
lightweight technologies,
and we cover in the aviation, of course,
not only the outsides or the engine
compartment. Of course, very important
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And sizes of course,
start with the small to the mid-size range
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