Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC) PW307A turbofan engine has achieved a significant milestone with its successful first development flight. This launches the start of an aggressive flight test program to demonstrate the engine's outstanding performance and operability characteristics. The PW307A engine is part of the P&WC Integrated Power Plant System (IPPS) selected by Dassault Aviation to power the Falcon 7X business aircraft.

The 6,100-lb-thrust engine, mounted on P&WC's Boeing 720 flying test bed, explored a range of altitudes from Sea Level to 45,000 feet and performed flawlessly during its maiden five-hour flight on July 16, 2003. Subsequent flights logged an additional 20 hours of flying time and gathered enough data to confirm its design performance. This also complemented data measured during the 600 hours of accumulated sea level operability, mechanical integrity and performance testing completed to date.

"The initial performance test results were better than our expectations at all flight conditions and aligned extremely well with our enhanced analytical prediction capability," said Catrina MacKenzie, Vice-President, PW307A Program. "In addition to performance, the engine compressor windmill and installed vibration characteristics were assessed and met our expectations."

"The data obtained validated several technology advancements P&WC has made regarding engine modeling design tools," added Ms. MacKenzie. "As a result, we have an even higher level of confidence for remaining development activities."

The new-generation Falcon 7X, which is scheduled to enter service in 2006, will be powered by three PW307A engines and carry eight passengers over distances of 5,700 nautical miles, or nonstop from Los Angeles to Paris. The PW307A engines promise to provide passengers with new standards in cabin comfort thanks to low noise and vibration levels as well as exceptional fuel economy and low maintenance costs.

P&WC is actively pursuing the development program for the Falcon 7X IPPS with its partner MTU, on the Engine Low Pressure Turbine, and MHD Nacelle Systems, supplier of the Nacelle System Aerostructure and Thrust Reverser.

FMI: www.pwc.ca