The Pratt & Whitney (P&W) PurePower PW1524G engine, which will power the Bombardier CSeries, has completed its first flight test programme, logging 25 flights with 115 flight hours.

"Results confirmed our earlier sea level test findings, validating the geared turbofan's overall engine design. The engine operated flawlessly, enabling us to conduct double the number of flight hours we initially planned," Bob Saia, vice president of P&W's next generation product family.

"Our expanded test programme enabled us to conduct additional flight testing, which was planned for early 2012. This engine will return to our sea level test facility in West Palm, Florida, to continue testing."

The US-based company has been testing the engine on its Boeing 747SP flying test bed, at P&W Canada's Mirabel Aerospace Centre in Mirabel, Quebec, since 20 June. Final assembly and testing will also take place at the facility.

The PW1500G-series engine test programme will run over the next 16 months with eight test engines, before certification - scheduled in 2012 - and entry into service in late 2013.

Source: Flight International