Bennett Croswell, president, Military Engines, discusses the possibility of commercial engine technologies driving the next round of military engine upgrades in an "In Focus" feature in Flight International.
"With the [A320]neo launch we have yet another core we can explore," Croswell said.
Read the full story on the Flight International website.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Launches PurePulse Waterjet Technology
PurePulse technology is the leading environmentally friendly hard coatings removal service available on the market today. It can replace chemical dipping and grinding and has a system that reuses filtered water. With this technology, no abrasives or chemicals are needed to remove coatings.
Pratt & Whitney Automation, Inc. (PWA) based in Huntsville, Ala., is now available to provide this forced pulse waterjet coatings removal service.
Click here to read the full press release.
Coverage:
- Pratt Introduces Novel Metal-Stripping Service (Hartford Business Journal)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Establishes Engineering Center of Excellence at Iowa State University
Pratt & Whitney has established a strategic research partnership
with Iowa State University to improve gas turbine engine technology for
aerospace applications. The five-year initiative establishes a Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence at Iowa State University.
Research projects will focus on three areas:
Read more on the Iowa State University College of Engineering website.
Research projects will focus on three areas:
- Non-destructive evaluation of engine components.
- Materials design and testing.
- Aerospace thermal systems.
Read more on the Iowa State University College of Engineering website.
Monday, May 21, 2012
P&WC Begins Compressor Demo for Next Generation Regional Turboprop Engine
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has begun testing of the
compressor for the next generation regional turboprop engine, a key step
in the company's technology demonstrator program. The high-efficiency
compressor is a core element of the new engine and the test hardware has
already run to the full range of aerodynamic design points. Key engine
characteristics such as component efficiency and pressure ratio will be
validated by the demonstration program, bringing the best technology
forward.
"The next generation turboprop engine is a totally new centerline engine that will deliver a 20 per cent improvement in fuel burn over today's fleet using the latest technologies of our next generation product families," said Richard Dussault, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Our new engine will deliver the economic and environmental benefits that will sustain the regional turboprop's competitive advantage for airlines serving short-haul, high-frequency routes."
P&WC's PW100 family of engines has led the regional turboprop segment since entering service more than 25 years ago. The company has more than 200 million hours of flying experience in the regional turboprop segment.
Click here to read the full press release from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
"The next generation turboprop engine is a totally new centerline engine that will deliver a 20 per cent improvement in fuel burn over today's fleet using the latest technologies of our next generation product families," said Richard Dussault, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Our new engine will deliver the economic and environmental benefits that will sustain the regional turboprop's competitive advantage for airlines serving short-haul, high-frequency routes."
P&WC's PW100 family of engines has led the regional turboprop segment since entering service more than 25 years ago. The company has more than 200 million hours of flying experience in the regional turboprop segment.
Click here to read the full press release from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
P&WC Sees Regional Turboprop Demand Flying High for Next Decade
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) continues to see a sustained
demand for regional turboprop aircraft and estimates a market for 3,000
regional turboprop aircraft in the next 20 years, with the majority of
the regional aircraft in the 70 to 100 seat capacity.
"We are experiencing excellent growth in the regional turboprop market and believe demand will only increase," said Richard Dussault, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Deliveries of turboprops have grown steadily at P&WC since 2003. All indicators point to an acceleration of demand and we have taken the right steps to ensure that we can meet that demand in a timely manner, with products that exceed our customers' expectations."
Click here to read the full press release from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
"We are experiencing excellent growth in the regional turboprop market and believe demand will only increase," said Richard Dussault, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Deliveries of turboprops have grown steadily at P&WC since 2003. All indicators point to an acceleration of demand and we have taken the right steps to ensure that we can meet that demand in a timely manner, with products that exceed our customers' expectations."
Click here to read the full press release from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Hess: ‘It's a Transformational Period in Our Core Engine Businesses'
Video Credit: Royal Aeronautical Society, via YouTube
Pratt & Whitney President David Hess was the guest of honor at the Royal Aeronautical Society's annual banquet in London on May 16. The event typically draws 400 to 500 guests from all sectors of aerospace and aligns with the society's mission of advancing aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world.
While in London, Hess was interviewed by Tim Robinson of the Royal Aeronautical Society. In the 23-minute interview, Hess fielded general questions about Pratt & Whitney's business and provided an update on the development of the PurePower engine. The interview also covered the company's aftermarket business, focus areas – performance, cost reduction – on the F135 engine program, the history of the geared turbofan concept and step changes in engine efficiency over time.
Speaking in his role as chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association, Hess also described the biggest challenge – budget sequestration – facing the aerospace and defense industry in the United States.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Canada Bids 'Adieu' to 720B Flying Test Bed
Pratt & Whitney Canada's trusty Boeing 720B Flying Test Bed (FTB1), dubbed "Red" because of its hallmark red and white livery, ceremoniously tipped its wings during low-pass flybys over St-Hubert, Longueuil and Mirabel on May 9. The aircraft then made its way to a well-deserved retirement, and eventual permanent display, at the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ontario.
FTB1 - the last operational Boeing 720B in the world - made 2,444 flights for Pratt & Whitney Canada between 1985 and 2010.
Coverage:
FTB1 - the last operational Boeing 720B in the world - made 2,444 flights for Pratt & Whitney Canada between 1985 and 2010.
Coverage:
- Last Flight For Boeing 720 (AvWeb)
- Historic Landing A Success (Trentonian)
- Historic Final Landing for Boeing 720 (Canadian Skies)
- Historic Landing in Trenton Wednesday (Belleville Intelligencer)
- More Aviation History Right Here in Montreal (Montreal Gazette)
Phenomenal! Pratt & Whitney Canada Congratulates Embraer
Embraer announced recently that it has delivered its 300th Phenom business jet, an impressive milestone for an aircraft that entered into service only in 2008. The Phenom 100 and 300 business jets are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW617F-E and the PW535E engines, respectively.
"The success of the Embraer Phenom family of aircraft is a testament to the aircraft's appeal in this segment of the business jet market," said David Van der Wee, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Powered by P&WC engines specifically designed for these complimentary market segments, the Phenom delivers excellent operating value and superior environmental performance."
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney Canada's press release.
"The success of the Embraer Phenom family of aircraft is a testament to the aircraft's appeal in this segment of the business jet market," said David Van der Wee, vice president, Marketing, P&WC. "Powered by P&WC engines specifically designed for these complimentary market segments, the Phenom delivers excellent operating value and superior environmental performance."
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney Canada's press release.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1200G Engine Begins First Flight Test Program
Monarch Air Commits to Fuel Savings and Emissions Reductions with Pratt & Whitney’s EcoFlight™ Solutions
Monarch Airlines selected Pratt & Whitney’s fuel conservation program, EcoFlight Solutions, reaching a 5-year agreement. The EcoFlight Solutions team has already commenced work with Monarch Airlines to develop and implement fuel-saving solutions for the airline’s fleet of 32 aircraft.
EcoFlight Solutions can typically save an airline 3 to 8 percent in fuel costs annually, even for airlines with fuel conservation programs already in place. Pratt & Whitney offers EcoFlight Solutions in collaboration with Flight Sciences International, a leading provider of fuel conservation programs, and Aviaso Inc., a leading provider of fuel efficiency software. EcoFlight Solutions leverages Pratt & Whitney and Flight Sciences International's proven services, including aircraft fuel consumption optimization, EcoPower® engine wash, advanced engine monitoring and line maintenance support -- all of which can help airlines reduce fuel consumption and improve environmental performance.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
EcoFlight Solutions can typically save an airline 3 to 8 percent in fuel costs annually, even for airlines with fuel conservation programs already in place. Pratt & Whitney offers EcoFlight Solutions in collaboration with Flight Sciences International, a leading provider of fuel conservation programs, and Aviaso Inc., a leading provider of fuel efficiency software. EcoFlight Solutions leverages Pratt & Whitney and Flight Sciences International's proven services, including aircraft fuel consumption optimization, EcoPower® engine wash, advanced engine monitoring and line maintenance support -- all of which can help airlines reduce fuel consumption and improve environmental performance.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Propulsion Orbits Critical Communications Satellite for U.S. Military
Video Credit: SpaceVidsNet via YouTube
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne upperstage propulsion successfully orbited the second in a series of Advanced Extremely High-Frequency (AEHF) communications satellites for the U.S. military, once again demonstrating the consistent reliability of its power and propulsion systems. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine, and the upper-stage is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 engine.
The AEHF is a joint service satellite communications system that will provide global communications for military troops within all services of the U.S. Department of Defense. The spacecraft will be used to relay highly secure and jam-resistant communications for the Armed Forces of the United States, the British Armed Forces, the Canadian Forces and the military of the Netherlands. When fully deployed, the system will consist of four spacecraft that travel in geostationary orbits.
The Atlas V Centaur upper-stage is powered by a single RL10A4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. The Atlas V Common Core booster is powered by the RD-180 engine and delivers nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. The RD-180 is the only liquid oxygen/kerosene-fueled engine with an oxygen-rich staged-combustion cycle flying in the United States today.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's press release.
Coverage:
- Second AEHF Military Communications Satellite Launched (Space Daily)
- Air Force launches advanced communications satellite (MSNBC)
- Next Generation Military Communications Satellite Launched for US Air Force (Universe Today)
- Satellite for secure war-time communications goes up (Spaceflight Now)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Delivers 50th F135 Engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Pratt & Whitney has successfully delivered the 50th production F135 engine – powering Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II – to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The 50th engine is scheduled to be installed in a F-35C Carrier Variant (CV) for the United States Navy. The F-35C aircraft will be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base for Navy pilot training.
Pratt & Whitney remains committed to increasing production levels while decreasing costs. To date, Pratt & Whitney and its suppliers have been able to reduce the cost by more than 25 percent on the CV/Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) engine, compared to the original test engines. Engine production output in 2012 is expected to double from 2011, as was demonstrated from 2010 to 2011.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Related Coverage:
The 50th engine is scheduled to be installed in a F-35C Carrier Variant (CV) for the United States Navy. The F-35C aircraft will be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base for Navy pilot training.
Pratt & Whitney remains committed to increasing production levels while decreasing costs. To date, Pratt & Whitney and its suppliers have been able to reduce the cost by more than 25 percent on the CV/Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) engine, compared to the original test engines. Engine production output in 2012 is expected to double from 2011, as was demonstrated from 2010 to 2011.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Related Coverage:
Pratt & Whitney Power Systems to Deliver Biomass Heat Recovery Power Plant for West Fraser Timber Company
Pratt & Whitney Power Systems has been awarded a contract to deliver a 13 MW biomass heat recovery power plant for West Fraser Timber Company in British Columbia, Canada. The state-of-the-art power plant will provide clean, carbon-neutral power to the company’s Chetwynd Forest Industries plant utilizing two Turboden 65 HRS Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbogenerators. Turboden is a Pratt & Whitney Power Systems company.
West Fraser is a leading wood products company with operations in western Canada and the southern United States, producing softwood lumber, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, laminated veneer lumber and wood chips. The installation of the ORC unit at West Fraser’s Chetwynd facility is a part of efforts to improve operational efficiency.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Coverage:
West Fraser is a leading wood products company with operations in western Canada and the southern United States, producing softwood lumber, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, laminated veneer lumber and wood chips. The installation of the ORC unit at West Fraser’s Chetwynd facility is a part of efforts to improve operational efficiency.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Coverage:
- West Fraser Timber Company to Install 13 MW Biomass Plant, Sell Power to Utility (Environmental Leader)
- Biomass power plant to be built in Canada (Power Engineering)
- Pratt biomass burner sold to B.C. timber firm (Hartford Business Journal)
British Sky Broadcasting, Heathrow Airport Embrace Renewable Energy
Turboden recently entered the UK market with awards for two biomass-fueled Combined Cooling, Heat and Power plants for two of the country’s most well known institutions - British Sky Broadcasting and Heathrow Airport. Both will receive clean, carbon-neutral power by utilizing Turboden Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbogenerators. Turboden is a Pratt & Whitney Power Systems company.
British Sky Broadcasting Ltd (BSkyB) is a public satellite broadcasting company operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is the largest pay-TV broadcaster in the United Kingdom with over 10 million subscribers. BSkyB is developing a 1 MW CCHP plant as an integral part of its carbon cutting emissions plans for its new studio, editing and transmission and data facility.
BAA Airports Limited, which operates six airports in the UK, including London Heathrow, is installing Turboden’s second ORC plant in the UK. London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving some 180 destinations in more than 90 countries. Turboden’s biomass-fuelled CCHP ORC unit at London Heathrow will use clean wood waste to produce 1.8 MW of electricity and 8MW of thermal heat and cooling to Terminals T2a and T2b, and heat only to Terminal T5. Construction of the Heathrow plant is almost complete and start-up is expected by summer.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Coverage:
British Sky Broadcasting Ltd (BSkyB) is a public satellite broadcasting company operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is the largest pay-TV broadcaster in the United Kingdom with over 10 million subscribers. BSkyB is developing a 1 MW CCHP plant as an integral part of its carbon cutting emissions plans for its new studio, editing and transmission and data facility.
BAA Airports Limited, which operates six airports in the UK, including London Heathrow, is installing Turboden’s second ORC plant in the UK. London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving some 180 destinations in more than 90 countries. Turboden’s biomass-fuelled CCHP ORC unit at London Heathrow will use clean wood waste to produce 1.8 MW of electricity and 8MW of thermal heat and cooling to Terminals T2a and T2b, and heat only to Terminal T5. Construction of the Heathrow plant is almost complete and start-up is expected by summer.
Click here to read Pratt & Whitney's press release.
Coverage:
- Turboden Expands into UK Market with 2 Organic Rankine Cycle Biomass Power Plants (Utility Products)
- Turboden Develops Organic Rankine Cycle Biomass Power Plants in UK (AZ CleanTech)
- Heathrow and Kings Cross to start engines on CHP systems (Business Green)
- BSkyB and Heathrow select Turboden for CCHP plants (The Engineer)
- Energia, nuovo modulo ORC di Turboden a Heathrow (9 colonne)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
P&W President Gives 'State of the Business' Briefing
(Video Credit: AirInsight, via YouTube)
Coverage:
- Pratt & Whitney’s David Hess Gives Upbeat Briefing (AirInsight)
- Pratt & Whitney chief sees long-term aerospace strength after a few ‘transitional’ years (Associated Press)
- A Flyover Highlights Pratt & Whitney's Plans for Dramatic Growth (Hartford Courant)
Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1200G Engine Takes to the Skies
The Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1200G engine successfully completed its first flight on April 30, launching the engine family’s flight test program. The PW1217G engine for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft flew on a specially designed stub wing aboard Pratt & Whitney’s Boeing 747SP flying test bed at the company’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre, in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
This initial PW1200G flight test program will validate performance, engine operability and in-flight starting.
Coverage:
This initial PW1200G flight test program will validate performance, engine operability and in-flight starting.
Coverage:
- P&W begins MRJ GTF flight tests (Air Transport World)
- Pratt & Whitney Starts Flight Tests Of MRJ Engine (Aviation Week)
P&W Canada 747SP Visits Connecticut
The Pratt & Whitney Canada 747SP flying test bed flew over the Pratt & Whitney facilities in East Hartford and Middletown, Conn., on Wednesday. The aircraft, visiting Connecticut for Pratt & Whitney's Media Day, has a PurePower PW1217G engine on a specially designed stub wing. The engine successfully completed its first flight on April 30.
Coverage:
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Hess Discusses Benefits of PurePower Engine in Bloomberg Interview
Pratt & Whitney President David Hess was interviewed by Willow Bay of Bloomberg News at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday. Airlines need more efficient aircraft with fuel efficient engines, Hess said, and Pratt & Whitney’s new engine technology can help.
Visit http://www.purepowerengine.com/ to learn more about Pratt & Whitney's PurePower engine.
Visit http://www.purepowerengine.com/ to learn more about Pratt & Whitney's PurePower engine.
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