Pratt & Whitney Canada 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. 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.
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.