News | August 21, 2008

Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1000G Engine Completes Successful Test Flight

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EAST HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1000G demonstrator engine successfully completed its first flights on July 11, launching a flight test program that will run through the end of 2008.

The PurePower PW1000G engine flight test program will run in two phases. The first phase will run for approximately 40 hours on Pratt & Whitney's 747SP flying test bed. After completing phase one, the engine will be shipped to Airbus in Toulouse, France, and installed on an Airbus-owned A340 flight test aircraft.

Phase two, which is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter and include approximately 75 flight hours, will continue engine performance and operation testing while providing valuable installation and acoustics data.

News Facts:

  • The PW1000G engine uses patented Geared Turbofan technology where 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.
  • This technology allows for double-digit reductions in fuel burn, environmental emissions, engine noise and operating costs for the next generation of commercial aircraft.
  • The PW1000G demonstrator engine completed a 250-hour ground test program in May.
  • The PW1000G engine was selected as the exclusive power for the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet and the Bombardier CSeries. Both aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2013.

Quotes:

"We completed two flights on this first day of testing and the PurePower PW1000G engine performed flawlessly. We are excited to build on the success of our ground testing as we begin the flight test phase of this demonstration program."

"As airlines face rising fuel prices and growing environmental pressures, they are watching the development of the PW1000G engine very carefully. The engine continues to meet or exceed all pre-test targets and we look forward to bringing this value to our customers."

About Pratt & Whitney:
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies (NYSE:UTX), based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

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