FAA Certified Several Modifications For Re-Engining Project

The first reconfigured JT8D-219 engine in the U.S. Air Force's re-engined E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft program will be delivered by Pratt & Whitney to Northrop Grumman later this month. "This delivery is yet another notable milestone in the long history of the JT8D engine," said Bev Deachin, vice president, Military Programs and Customer Support, Pratt & Whitney. "The JT8D-219 engine will enable a re-engined Joint STARS aircraft to operate with more thrust, while consuming less fuel, compared to the TF33 engines originally installed. This gives the Joint STARS aircraft higher operational altitude and longer mission duration, while significantly reducing the maintenance burden of the older engines. It's a win-win proposition for our U.S. Air Force customer." 

Among the engine's configuration modifications are: a nickel high-pressure compressor rotor system that provides enhanced corrosion resistance, external changes to accommodate mounting the engine under the aircraft's wing, an enhanced bleed override system, and higher load-carrying towershaft and gearbox elements to accommodate increased power extraction.

If the U.S. Air Force chooses to retrofit its entire Joint STARS fleet, production quantities could be in excess of 80 engines. The JT8D-219 engine is assembled and tested in Pratt & Whitney's Middletown, Conn., facility.

Joint STARS Aircraft File Photo

The current commercial JT8D-219 engine with external modifications has been certified to support B707 re-engining via the Supplemental Type Certificate approved by the FAA for Pratt & Whitney's Joint Venture partner, Seven Q Seven. Seven Q Seven is a San Antonio, Texas-based company that converts and upgrades aircraft, primarily Boeing 707s, for commercial and military support applications. The E-8C is a modified B707-300.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com