$12 Million Facility Simulates Operation At Altitude

Pratt & Whitney has initiated performance testing of the fan drive gear system, a key element of its planned next generation Geared Turbofan engine, at the company's new $12 million testing facility in Middletown, CT. The gear system design will undergo critical testing over the next 18 months as part of the company's development plan.

"Initial testing of the fan drive gear system has gone flawlessly," said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family, Pratt & Whitney. "The fan drive gear system is what enables the Geared Turbofan engine to operate at optimum efficiency, delivering the environmental and economical benefits of this game-changing technology."

Pratt & Whitney tells ANN the dedicated gear system testing facility has unique capabilities to simulate in-flight conditions and operational characteristics.

The gear system test rig is capable of handling up to 60,000 shaft horsepower and simulating flight altitudes of up to 45,000 feet. The facility is also capable of creating operational loads to test performance limits of the gear system outside of specifications to validate durability.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com