Pratt & Whitney Canada PW810 Engine Development Program Enters High Gear

May 20, 2008
This next-generation product incorporates advanced fan, compressor, turbine and low-emissions TALON(TM) combustion systems for exceptional fuel consumption, future thrust-growth capability and improved environmental friendliness.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND--(Marketwire - May 20, 2008) - Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has started detailed design work as well as advanced production preparations for the all-new PW810 engine, just three months after the official launch of its 10,000-pound-thrust-class PW800 engine family. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) company.

Preliminary design for the PW810, selected by Cessna Aircraft to power its new large-cabin Citation Columbus business aircraft, has been completed. P&WC engineers are now entering into the detail design of various components with collaboration from suppliers and other partners. The company has also started production readiness planning to ensure the engine can be assembled and tested to best meet customer demand.

"We are simulating and validating various production processes, just like we did to achieve a step change in the production of our PW600 low-thrust engine family," said Dan Breitman, vice president, PW800 Programs. "We are working with the objective of significantly reducing assembly and test time for the PW800 as it relates to our current standards."

This next-generation product raises the bar on performance and economics by taking advantage of the latest materials, aerodynamic and design technologies developed by the company. It incorporates advanced fan, compressor, turbine and low-emissions TALON(TM) combustion systems for exceptional fuel consumption, future thrust-growth capability and improved environmental friendliness.

In addition, the PW810 will surpass International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emissions standards by up to 50 per cent for nitrous oxide and by up to 35 per cent for carbon monoxide emissions, and will also achieve low unburned hydrocarbons and smoke emissions. Moreover, it is designed for low noise, well below Stage IV standards.

First run of the PW810 is being targeted for mid-2009. The Citation Columbus, designed for intercontinental travel with a target range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometres) at Mach 0.80 carrying eight passengers, is expected to enter customer service in 2014.

Pratt & Whitney Canada, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also manufactures auxiliary power units and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.