Engine evaluation

Aircraft engine manufacturer

has completed ground and flight tests on its PurePower PW1000G demonstrator engine with help from the Airbus A340-600 flight-test aircraft.

The joint flight-test programme assessed in-flight performance, engine handling, acoustics and aircraft installation of the demonstrator engine. The final phase of testing followed Pratt & Whitney’s own trials on its Boeing 747SP flying test bed and involved 27 flights and over 75 hours of flight.

Bob Saia, vice president of Pratt & Whitney, said: ‘We were able to complete all flight test objectives with flawless engine operation. The Airbus A340 flight-test programme included engine test evaluations normally conducted for a production engine certification. The PurePower PW1000G demonstrator engine showed the performance and operational benefits of the engine’s unique gear system.’

The PW1000G engine features Pratt & Whitney’s patented Geared Turbofan technology. This technology allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine providing significant reductions in fuel burn, engine noise, environmental emissions and operating costs.