Aircraft

PICTURE: Pratt & Whitney readies GTF for second phase of testing

By Lori Ranson

Phase II ground testing of Pratt & Whitney’s (P&W) geared turbofan engine (GTF) set to power the Bombardier CSeries and Mitsubishi Regional Jet is scheduled to begin next month at the manufacturer’s testing site in West Palm Beach, Fla.

In preparation for the testing P&W says the flight inlet and nacelle system have been installed on the GTF demonstrator. The nacelle system, supplied by Goodrich, was installed during a fit check before P&W connects final test sensors and the engine returns to the test stand.

Specifically, Phase II testing is focusing on engine performance, acoustic characteristics and nacelle system validation.

P&W VP next generation production family Bob Saia says data from Phase I testing surpassed pre-test predictions in every major area, demonstrating the fuel burn, noise and emissions characteristics of the new architecture.

In the GTF the fan operates independently of the low-pressure compressor and turbine, which P&W says results in greater fuel efficiency and a slower fan speed for less noise.

Ground testing of the GTF began in November 2007, and the demonstrator engine has logged 130 hours since then.

Previously, P&W has said ground testing is scheduled to continue to May when the when the GTF demonstrator will be installed on P&W's Boeing 747 engine testbed for flight testing.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news