Forms Organization To Develop Technology

Pratt & Whitney announced this week it has created a new organization to develop, demonstrate and bring to market the company's next generation of commercial engines, including the Geared Turbofan engine.

The company tells ANN its Next Generation Product Family organization consolidates development efforts across Pratt & Whitney divisions for large business jets, regional jets and the next generation narrow-body aircraft. The new organization will be led by Bob Saia, Vice President, Next Generation Product Family.

"Pratt & Whitney is leading the industry in developing revolutionary technology for the next generation of commercial aircraft," said Todd Kallman, president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. "By creating the Next Generation Product Family organization we are demonstrating our commitment to the Commercial Engine business as we bring the best technology to market for our customers."

The enginemaker says a Geared Turbofan engine will deliver a 12% reduction in fuel burn, 50% reduction in noise and emissions, and 40% reduction in maintenance costs over today's commercial engines. Pratt & Whitney is currently executing rig tests to demonstrate key components of the GTF engine. Ground testing of the first GTF demonstrator engine will occur later this year, and flight testing in 2008.

"We will be ready to support a product launch of the Geared Turbofan engine as early as 2008," said Bob Saia. "At the same time we are developing the latest advanced turbofan technologies to bring environmental performance and low cost of ownership to large business jets and regional aircraft."

Pratt & Whitney has over 17,000 aircraft engines in service with hundreds of airlines throughout the world.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com