FlightGlobal reports that Pratt & Whitney “expects the peak number of aircraft grounded as a result of manufacturing problems with geared turbofan engines will be lower than previously anticipated as the propulsion specialist continues to work through the issue.” In September, the engine maker “expanded a previously announced requirement for ‘accelerated inspections’ of the PW1100G engines that power Airbus A320neo-family jets due to a manufacturing problem.” Caused by contamination “of the powder metal material used to make high-pressure turbine and compressor disks, the issue will see thousands of aircraft taken out of service over the next two years for checks.” But “speaking to analysts on a full-year earnings call on 23 January, Christopher Calio, chief operating officer of P&W parent RTX, said although the recovery process was in its early stages, progress is being made.”
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Tag: PW1100G
Pratt & Whitney Begins Test of GTF on A320neo
FlightGlobal reports, “Airbus and Pratt & Whitney have started development flight testing of a more efficient PW1100G geared turbofan – known as the GTF Advantage engine – on an A320neo aircraft.” Pratt & Whitney said, “This early flight-test campaign will continue to mature the engine by testing it in a variety of environments, including hot and cold weather and operation from high-altitude airports.” On the GTF, Pratt & Whitney President of Commercial Engines Rick Deurloo said, “[The GTF Advantage engine] enhances aircraft capability by increasing thrust and protects durability by running cooler. For airlines, this means new revenue opportunities and better operating economics. Our revolutionary geared-fan architecture is the foundation for more sustainable aviation technologies in the decades ahead, and the GTF Advantage engine is the next step in that journey.”
Full Story (FlightGlobal)