Jul 3 2008
Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan [GTF] demonstrator engine has completed Phase II ground tests and has been cleared for flight testing.
In a GTF engine, a state-of-the-art gear system allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and a slower fan speed for reduced noise.
In 2007, the GTF was selected as the exclusive power for the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet and the proposed Bombardier CSeries.
- More than 12% reduction in fuel burn at an engine level, when installed on a next generation aircraft the savings is an average of 413,000 gallons per year.
- More than 12% reduction in CO2 emissions, equal to 3,000 fewer tonnes of CO2 per aircraft, per year
- 50% reduction in NOx emissions, a leading contributor to smog and air quality
- 50% reduction in engine noise, which is 20 dB quieter than the strictest noise standards introduced this year.
- Double-digit reductions in overall operating costs equal to more than $1.5 million in cost savings per aircraft, per year
“The ground test program has been a complete success and the Geared Turbofan engine has met or exceeded all performance targets. This demonstrator engine has confirmed the laboratory results of our Fan Drive Gear System demonstrating excellent efficiency and operational characteristics.”
“The double-digit reductions in fuel burn, engine noise, environmental emissions and operating costs we’ve targeted make the Geared Turbofan engine the best solution for the next generation of commercial aircraft.”