Cessna picks suppliers for Hemisphere

The large-cabin jet, announced in 2015, will be powered by Safran Aircraft Engine’s Silvercrest engines rated at 12,000 pounds of thrust each. It will feature Honeywell Aerospace's Primus Epic cockpit technology and a full fly-by-wire flight control system with sidestick controls incorporating Thales components.

“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 Textron Aviation President and CEO Scott Ernest. “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.”

The Hemisphere cabin is 102 inches wide, which Cessna officials say is the widest in its class. A three-zone cabin features a 6-foot, 2-inch stand-up clearance with a flat floor, a cabin altitude of 5,000 feet, and fully berthable seats that feature thermo-electric technology to optimize heating and cooling. The cabin has 20 oversize windows along with skylights in the front galley and aft lavatory.

The Primus Epic cockpit will give pilots a 3-D view of the outside world in challenging weather conditions to include fog, rain, and snow.

First flight of the Hemisphere is expected in 2019, according to Cessna.