Pratt & Whitney Canada has christened its new global flight-test operations centre at Montreal Mirabel International airport. A first phase of development is designed to support testing for engines with up to 90,000lb of thrust (400kN).

The centre houses two Boeing 747SPs that are now flying testbeds to simulate flight conditions and collect data. Phase two, scheduled for completion in spring 2011, includes construction of a highly advanced assembly and test facility to support the PW1534G powering the Bombardier CSeries and the PW800 featured on the next generation of large business jets.

The 27,870m2 (300,000ft2) test and assembly centre represents a $360 million investment, with support from the Quebec government, and will employ about 300 staff by 2015.

Pratt & Whitney Mirabel plant
 © Pratt & Whitney Canada

Source: Flight International