Flight Tests To Begin In May 2008

A new engine design meant to reduce emissions and improve efficiency is feeling its oats. Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan demonstrator engine recently completed its first series of engine runs, reaching full power -- 30,000 pounds of thrust -- at the company's advanced test facility in West Palm Beach, FL.

The full-scale demonstrator engine ground test program will run through May 2008 when flight testing will begin.

"The Geared Turbofan demonstrator engine achieved the first major milestone of this ground test program and the engine is performing flawlessly," said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family, Pratt & Whitney. "After reaching full takeoff power, the engine has begun to run a series of performance tests to validate the game-changing performance characteristics of the Geared Turbofan engine including low fuel burn, engine noise and environmental emissions."

The Geared Turbofan engine is part of Pratt & Whitney's technology readiness program aimed at setting new environmental and performance standards for jet propulsion. The company is actively testing key components on a total of 15 test rigs worldwide. Flight testing on Pratt & Whitney's 747 flying test bed will begin in mid-2008.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com