Cessna Announces Engine Choice for Newest Jet

Cessna Aircraft Company announced the selection of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F engine as the power plant for the new Citation Mustang.

Each PW615F engine provides 1,350 lbs of thrust flat rated to ISA+10*C. The engine incorporates a dual-channel FADEC, along with the latest technology materials and design.

John Wright, of P&W Canada, explained, "The PW600 is being designed to offer a significant step change in performance, cost and durability by maximizing the technology built into the engine while maintaining its simplicity. For example, the engine offers up to 40% fewer parts count over a comparable PW500 engine while achieving similar pressure ratios. The compressor is designed with an innovative P&WC-patented gas path and mixed-flow rotor."

"The competition for the Mustang engine contract between Pratt & Whitney Canada and Williams International resulted in two excellent proposals," said Charlie Johnson, Cessna President and COO. 

"We have a long-standing working relationship with both companies and would have been comfortable with either proposed engine. After thoroughly reviewing performance, aftermarket support and pricing, we concluded that Pratt & Whitney Canada best met our demanding criteria for the Citation Mustang program. The PW615F engine will enable us to meet all the published performance specifications."

Announced at the 2002 NBAA convention, the Citation Mustang is Cessna's newest entry-level business jet and will offer customers the same quality, safety, value and support that have been the foundation of the Citation program for over 30 years. The Mustang will be certified as a FAR Part 23 aircraft, with a cruise speed of 340 knots, and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet.

"Now that we have selected the engine, we are concentrating our attention on the avionics package," Johnson said, "and we expect to make a decision by the end of the first quarter."

FMI: www.cessna.com