#231 TEXTRON visit during the Composites360onTour at AERO 2026 | Citation Ascend: Precision Use of Composites in Next-Gen Business Aviation Systems

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 compositesA 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 developmentIt offers a grounded view of how modern aircraft are engineered—where comfort, performance, and material science converge within real-world constraints. About Composites360onTourExploring 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 #CompositeIndustryYouTube Episode: