Pratt & Whitney has begun core testing of its PurePower geared turbofan that will power the Bombardier CSeries, Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) and the Irkut MS-21.

Testing includes gathering more than 1,200 individual measurements, says P&W. The company says through the use of new testing technologies, its engineers can perform a broad scope of tests beyond what is normally possible at this stage of development.

"This successful first run of the PurePower engine core marks a major step toward bringing an all-new, next generation engine to market," says Pratt & Whitney Canada VP PW800 programs Dan Breitman.

The PurePower geared turbofan family features two types of engines - the PW800 and the PW1000G.

During the last year P&W has completed gear testing on an Airbus A340-600 test bed. The company has previously stated the first engine to enter service in 2013 should offer 12%-15% lower fuel burn than current engines.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news