Canada in February, is the first of six new engine programs using Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan™ architecture to power an aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.
“The CSeries aircraft’s maiden flight is an outstanding milestone for us – and the PW1500G engine is an integral part of today’s success,” said Rob Dewar, vice president, CSeries, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The PurePower engine technology fits extremely well with the innovative aircraft that we are bringing to market. We look forward to our continued collaboration on this industry-changing aircraft.”
“We congratulate Bombardier on the CSeries aircraft’s historic first flight and we’re proud to be powering the aircraft - the first “next generation” and all-new airplane to enter the single-aisle market segment,” said Dave Brantner, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. “Our PW1500G will improve engine fuel efficiency by 16 percent and reduce airline engine operating costs by up to 20 percent. The PurePower engine slashes noise footprints by up to 75 percent compared to existing turbofan engines.”
Today’s flight milestone is a key step forward to aircraft certification and entry-into-service. To date, the PW1500G engine has completed 3,000 hours of ground and flight testing.
The PurePower PW1000G engine family uses an advanced gear system that allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. Built on the foundation of the company’s successful fifth generation fighter engines, the PW1000G engine family includes micro-circuit internal cooling to enhance durability and efficiency. Additionally, the leading edge coating technology derived and proven in the harshest environments provides the engine’s airfoils with a “non-stick” barrier that is critical for high temperatures and harsh environments.
Final assembly for the PW1500G engines will be at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre in Mirabel, Québec. UTC Aerospace Systems, formed after UTC’s acquisition of Goodrich, provides the nacelle system.