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.