Pratt & Whitney Canada announced today that its PW535D turbofan engine has been selected to power Hawker Beechcraft's new Hawker 450XP light business jet. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company.

"This is a great win for us and confirms our leadership position in the global business jet market," said Mike Perodeau, vice president, Corporate Aviation & Military Engines, P&WC. "It also reflects the strong reputation of our PW500 turbofan engine family in the light to mid-size jet segment, and our long-standing relationship with Hawker Beechcraft."

The PW535D, rated at 3,000 pounds of thrust, will feature advanced technologies in the turbine and compressor areas that increase thrust and improve fuel consumption. The engine is also equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC). Certification of the PW535D is targeted for 2009.

P&WC will be responsible for designing and delivering the PW535D as a fully integrated powerplant system, including all components on the engine side of the aircraft pylon. Design improvements are also being made to the powerplant system to enhance maintainability and product reliability.

The PW500 family is currently comprised of three engine series and seven models, ranging from 2,700 to 4,500 pounds thrust, with the more than 2,500 engines produced having accumulated over 5.7 million flight hours. The family has been particularly successful in the fractional ownership and general business jet markets due to its impressive durability and reliability, as well as impressive overhaul intervals.

Operators of PW500 engines are supported by P&WC's industry-leading global customer support. This includes over 30 P&WC-owned and designated service facilities around the world, more than 100 field support representatives on all major continents, a 24/7 Customer First Centre for rapid expert support, the most advanced diagnostic capabilities for this market and the largest pool of P&WC rental and exchange engines in the industry.