Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW545D engine is one step closer to entry into service with type certification granted May 9 by Transport Canada Civil Aviation. In May 2023, Textron Aviation announced its new Cessna Citation Ascend business jet would be powered by twin PW545D engines. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

"As the latest derivative in the PW500 engine family, we look forward to the Ascend's entry into service," said Cedric Gauthier, vice president, Sales and Marketing, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "Certification was granted following 630 hours of engine testing, in addition to 230 hours of flight testing on the Ascend prototype test aircraft."

The new engine incorporates an advanced mixer and efficiency improvements in the compressor and turbine sections, thereby lowering fuel burn and reducing operating temperatures. 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 engine operation, maximizes efficiency and reduces pilot workload.

There are approximately 4,600 PW500 engines in service today, with more than 5,000 manufactured. The fleet has flown approximately 24.5 million hours. PW500 engines also power other aircraft in the Textron Aviation portfolio such as the Cessna Citation Bravo, Excel, XLS, XLS+, Ultra Encore and Encore+. In addition to a family of business jets, Textron Aviation also manufactures twin- and single-engine turboprops, many of which are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.