P&WC Launches New Engine for Biggest Citation

Pratt & Whitney Canada has joined the 10,000-pound-thrust class with formal launch of the PW800 series, the first version of which will power Cessna’s large-cabin Citation Columbus. P&WC had been working on its advanced fan technology integrator for three years when it announced at NBAA 2005 that the program would be designated PW800. “We liked its environmental characteristics,” said Cessna senior vice president of engineering David Brant, “and it gives us the fuel specifics that we need.” Cessna did evaluate other engine offerings–Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and Snecma each have 10,000-pound-thrust engine programs–and “it was an intense competition,” Brant said. P&WC’s engine for Cessna will deliver 8,830 pounds of takeoff thrust and exceed ICAO emissions standards by up to 50 percent for nitrous oxide and 35 percent for carbon monoxide, thanks to the Pratt & Whitney-developed Talon combustion system. First flight of the PW810 on a P&WC flying testbed is expected next year, in plenty of time for the first flight of the Columbus in 2011.