Aircraft

Pratt & Whitney has selected Goodrich as the exclusive provider of nacelle systems for its new geared turbofan (GTF) engine, which will power the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) and Bombardier’s proposed CSeries aircraft families.

The two firms began work on the engine concept and prototype development in early 2005. That effort resulted in the delivery of hardware for the flight test program scheduled to begin later this year, says Goodrich.

Under the agreement announced today, Goodrich’s Chula Vista, California-based Aerostructures unit will produce the entire nacelle systems, including the inlet, fan cowl, thrust reverser, exhaust system, and engine mounts.

© Pratt & Whitney

The award is expected to generate more than $5 billion in original equipment and aftermarket revenue for Goodrich during the 25-year period following service entry.

“The Goodrich nacelle system on the geared turbofan demonstrator engine is performing very well and we look forward to flight testing the complete propulsion system later this year,” says Pratt VP, next generation product family Bob Saia.

Goodrich segment president for nacelles and interior systems Cindy Egnotovich adds: “This engine represents a step-change in technology and the nacelle system will be a major contributor to a lower-weight, high-performance propulsion system.”

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries officially launched the MRJ on 28 March. Launch of the Bombardier CSeries is expected later this year. Both aircraft have 2013 entry-into-service dates.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news