Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has not found any thrust limitations to its geared turbofan engine architecture, and believes its design is capable of powering the next generation of widebody aircraft, including Boeing’s replacement for the 777 if such an aircraft is pursued.
The manufacturer’s PW1000G has already been selected by Bombardier to power the 110/130-seat CSeries and by Mitsubishi to power the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).
The CSeries will be powered with the 20,000lb-24,000lb thrust class PW1000G, designated the PW1500G, while the MRJ will be powered with the PW1200G, which offers thrust between 13,000lb and 17,000lb. P&W’s initial product definition for its geared engine architecture represents a technology level that is targeted to a 2013 entry-into-service for both the CSeries and MRJ.
However, late last year the company launched its second phase of technology development, which is really targeted for aircraft that will enter service in the 2015-2020 time period.
“Our objective, our goal is to improve fuel consumption in the order of 1% to 1.5% per year for each year of time. So if we were to go from 2013 to 2018, we have set a target to have fuel reduction in 8%-10% step change or improvement regime,” P&W vice-president next generation product family Bob Saia told consultancy Innovation Analysis Group (IAG) in an exclusive interview.
