Successful First Flight Aboard Boeing 720 Test Bed

Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC) PW610F engine, selected to power Eclipse Aviation's Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), has successfully completed its maiden flight on P&WC's Boeing 720 flying test bed (FTB), marking a significant milestone in its development program.

"We are very pleased with the engine's performance during this first flight, and we are looking forward to continuing the PW610F engine FTB program to evaluate engine and FADEC operating characteristics," said John Wright, Vice President, Business Aviation and Military Engines, P&WC.

The first flight of the PW610F engine took place December 16, and during the 6-hour flight, a number of tests were performed, including performance characterization and altitude re-light. The PW610F had previously completed more than 500 hours of ground testing.

The PW610F, rated at 900 lbs. of thrust, is the smallest member of P&WC's new PW600 engine series, which is designed to provide operators with optimum value and performance, while significantly reducing ownership costs. PW610F certification is expected in the first quarter of 2006.

FMI: www.pwc.ca