Engines Will Be Used In VLJ Flight Testing

Aero-News learned Thursday Pratt & Whitney Canada has delivered the first two PW617F engines for flight testing on the new Embraer Phenom 100 very light jet.

"These engine deliveries represent an important milestone for both Pratt & Whitney Canada and Embraer," said Dan Breitman, vice president, turbofan development. "The PW600 family is the leader in the emerging very light jet market, and we are very pleased with the progress of the PW617F engine program."

"We are happy to receive the timely delivery of the initial two PW617F engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada. They will be installed in the Phenom 100 executive jet now under final assembly, according to plan," said Artur Valério Coutinho, Embraer's executive vice-president, industrial operations. "Embraer and Pratt & Whitney Canada are working in a very close partnership, and we see the Phenom programs as another positive experience in an almost 40-year long history of collaboration between the two companies."

Selected by Embraer in 2005, the PW617F engine provides 1,615 pounds of thrust for the Phenom 100 and features a dual-channel, full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. Designed around the latest technologies, as well as a 50-percent reduction in parts count, PW&C says the PW617F offers customers a step-change in performance, cost and value. Certification of the engine is expected in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Based in Longueuil, Quebec, PW&C provides aviation engines powering business and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications.

FMI: www.pwc.ca, www.embraer.com