The PW545D is expected to be rated at around 4,200 lb. thrust, making it the most powerful variant of the PW545 series.
GENEVA—Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has revealed design details of the PW545D turbofan derivative it is developing for the newly announced mid-size Cessna Citation Ascend.
The engine, which is based on the two-shaft architecture of the long-running PW500 family, is expected to be rated at around 4,200 lb. thrust making it the most powerful variant of the PW545 series. Despite the power increase, the engine developer says the configuration has been optimized for improved fuel burn and longer time between overhauls (TBO).
Enhancements to the engine include a more efficient high-pressure (HP) compressor for increased flow and an improved single-stage HP turbine module. The engine, which is due to power the Ascend for its maiden flight later this year, also incorporates an advanced exhaust mixer to reduce fuel consumption and noise.
The medium bypass turbofan will also include new materials and, like the existing PW545 variants, retains the HP turbine-driven two-stage axial and single stage centrifugal HP compressor. The engine’s integrally bladed fan and single-boost-stage low-pressure (LP) compressor is driven by a three-stage LP turbine.
Nicholas Kanellias, vice president of general aviation at P&WC, says for the newest variant “we injected all we’ve learned from the more than 4,600 PW500 engines produced to-date, which have accumulated over 22 million flying hours. This new engine is even more fuel-efficient, offers greater thrust and an increased TBO of up to 6,000 hours for eligible customers.”
The new engine is also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. This will enable the Citation Ascend to integrate new auto-throttle technology that P&WC says will simplify control, maximize efficiency and reduce pilot workload.
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