Innovation, elegance and capability unite in the new Citation Hemisphere; Cessna selects engine, avionics and fly-by-wire suppliers for the latest in its large-cabin Citation business jet family

Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is further demonstrating its commitment to new product investments by debuting a full-scale Citation Hemisphere cabin this week at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. The company also is announcing its large-cabin business jet will be powered by Safran Aircraft Engine’s latest-generation Silvercrest engine, operated with Honeywell Aerospace’s advanced Primus Epic cockpit technologies and integrated with full fly-by-wire flight control system incorporating components provided by Thales.

“For the first time in more than 20 years, the large-cabin segment will see a clean-sheet design aircraft with the Citation Hemisphere,” said Scott Ernest, Textron Aviation president and CEO. “As a demonstration of our continued commitment to invest in new and differentiated products, we’re showcasing a full-scale cabin just one year after announcing the Hemisphere at NBAA 2015. This should leave no doubt as to our intention to expand our segment leadership position.”

Masterpiece of craftsmanship

The Hemisphere, which will seat up to 19 passengers, is the widest cabin in its class at 102 inches. The three-zone cabin features a comfortable 6-foot, 2-inch stand-up clearance with a flat floor. The aircraft’s cabin altitude of 5,000 feet will ensure passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.

The cabin on display at the Orlando Executive Airport highlights the Hemisphere’s class-leading features, exceptional style and quality of finishes and the flexibility of the large cabin to meet a wide variety of operator’s needs. Understanding that increased range capability requires maximum comfort and productivity, Textron Aviation will leverage its vertical integration capabilities to ensure the cabin comfort is second to none in this class. Interior furnishings to include seats and cabinetry will be designed and handcrafted in-house. The fully berthable seats, which will be the widest in the class, will feature thermo-electric technology to optimize heating and cooling comfort for passengers.

The cabin layout on display showcases a workspace that will provide for maximum productivity as well as an intimate and more private stateroom environment. The front galley offers a versatile, brightly lit workstation with granite and stone surfaces and state-of-the-art modularity for changing missions. Natural lighting is abundant with 20 oversized windows optimally placed throughout the cabin in addition to skylights located in the front galley and aft lavatory. The cabin on display features lavatories in both the front and back of the aircraft, while a best-in-class spacious baggage area is accessible during flight.

“We’ve spent the past several months collaborating with our customer advisory board, which is comprised of industry executives operating various products in this class, to affirm what customers need in this segment. This input is a key influence as we continue to develop this industry-leading aircraft and we’re eager to showcase the Hemisphere to attendees at NBAA,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “What customers will experience upon entering the Hemisphere cabin is carefully considered design, materials and craftsmanship to create a bespoke, yet highly functional space with the flexibility to meet the requirements of two-hour domestic flights as well as transcontinental missions.” 

Next generation technologies

The 4,500 nautical-mile Citation Hemisphere will be powered by two Safran Silvercrest engines, a next-generation engine with over 12,000 pounds of thrust. These engines empower operators of large and long-range business jets with the best speed, range, field performance and direct operating costs. The Silvercrest business jet engine incorporates the latest advanced, field-proven technologies, to offer unrivaled performance in its category in terms of propulsion efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness. The Silvercrest’s fuel consumption is up to 15 percent lower than other engines in its category and it allows business jets to reduce their NOx emissions by up to 40 percent under CAEP/6 standards and cut their noise footprint by half.

The Hemisphere will come well-equipped with Honeywell’s advanced Primus Epic. fully integrated cockpit solution. This transoceanic flight management system, coupled with SmartView for lower minimums and precision inertial reference sensors, will enable Hemisphere operators to reach destinations faster and with reduced cost. The latest Primus Epic cockpit will provide pilots with a conformal 3D view of the outside world in challenging weather conditions such as fog, rain or snow to improve situational awareness. Honeywell’s connected aircraft solution spans satellite communications and connectivity airtime as well as cockpit and cabin, and integrates with Textron Aviation’s proprietary LinxUs maintenance and diagnostics reporting ecosystem.

To support the superior handling characteristics for an aircraft this size, the Hemisphere will incorporate a full fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system, providing the latest-design for maximum performance.The system, which will be fully integrated by Textron Aviation, will include innovative, active control sidesticks, provide ease of operation for the pilot and will ensure a new level of ergonomics in this class-leading platform. Thales, a proven leader in FBW design, has been selected to provide the flight control computers and remote electronic units to support this system. 

 “No other aircraft in this segment offers this combination of the latest technology, best-in-class- passenger experience and the lowest total ownership cost, all at a price point unmatched in the industry,” said Ernest.

First flight of the Citation Hemisphere is expected in 2019.

Images and Broll:

Citation Hemisphere

Citation Hemisphere Interior 1

Citation Hemisphere Interior 2

Citation Hemisphere Interior 3

Citation Hemisphere Image and Broll Gallery