WICHITA, Kan., - Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kan., sought an engine to power its new 12-passenger Cessna Citation Ascend business jet. They found their solution from Pratt & Whitney Canada in Longueuil, Quebec. Cessna selected Pratt & Whitney Canada's new PW545D engine, which was designed and enhanced for Textron Aviation to deliver improved specific fuel consumption (SFC), thrust and time between overhauls (TBO).
Building on the success of the PW545C, the PW545D incorporates new materials and technology. These include:
- A more efficient high-pressure compressor for increased flow,
- An enhanced single-stage, high-pressure turbine module, and
- An advanced exhaust mixer to reduce fuel consumption and noise.
The new engine is also equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) technology, which is included with many PW500 models. This enables the Citation Ascend to integrate new auto-throttle technology that simplifies control, maximizes efficiency and reduces pilot workload.
The engine supports digitally driven advanced health monitoring and diagnostics, in combination with the FAST (Flight, Acquisition, Storage and Transmission) system. With FAST, the engine's full-flight data is downloaded, stored and analyzed by experts, enabling deep insights and predictive diagnostics to optimize engine performance and maintenance requirements. Customers with FAST installed who are enrolled in Pratt & Whitney's Eagle Service Plan (ESP™) pay-per-hour maintenance program may take advantage of the 6,000-hour TBO option.
The PW545D engine will help provide Citation Ascend operators with the flexibility to accomplish a variety of missions, including charter services, personal transportation and corporate flights. It also delivers the impressive reliability for which the PW500 has become known over the decades, with an excellent track record of dispatch availability and reliability, complemented by our comprehensive plans that lock in maintenance costs.
The PW545D can operate on blends of up to 50% SAF with conventional Jet A kerosene. This is part of Pratt & Whitney Canada's ongoing efforts – in collaboration with public and private parties – to lead the way in developing sustainable solutions that will help the industry reach its target of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
