Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Boeing and Pratt & Whitney are studying the use of the 98,000lb-thrust (436kN) PW4098 turbofan on the 777-200ER in bids to win key competitions with El Al and LanChile, which are seeking new long-range fleets.
The PW4089 is in the final stages of flight testing on the 777-300. It is due to be certificated on the aircraft in the "July time frame", says Pratt & Whitney executive vice-president, engine programmes, Bob Leduc. With only three aircraft due for delivery to Korean Airlines, however, P&W is anxious to see a new application for the engine, which has taken more than a year longer than expected to be certified.
The PW4098-powered 777-200ER would be "-a 300 seat, 7,000nm [12,950km] aircraft with full payload and passengers," says Leduc. Boeing confirms it is "-having conversations with P&W, and we are looking at being able to do this for entry into service around the fourth quarter of 2000."
Other higher-weight, higher-power 777-200ERs in development include the General Electric GE90-94B powered -200ERs for Air France, due to enter service in the fourth quarter next year, and the Rolls-Royce Trent 895 powered -200ERs for British Airways, to begin services in the first quarter.
Boeing confirms that, despite the higher thrust option, there is no plan to increase the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) beyond the 297,800kg (656,000lb) limit already set for the 777-200ER.
Maximum zero fuel weight has, been increased from 195,200kg to 199,800kg to provide capacity for an additional 4,500kg cargo. "We are looking at 98,000lb for the 656,000lb [297,800kg] MTOW aircraft to keep pace with the increased gross weight, and allow operations out of hot, high and short runway airports," Boeing says.
First deliveries of the PW4098-powered 777-300 are to begin in late August, with the third aircraft due for handover by the end of the year. Most of the final development problems were cured with software scheduling changes in the full authority digital engine control, says Leduc.
Boeing confirms that talks on the higher thrust engine on the 777-200ER are restricted to P&W only, "because none of the other engine makers are developing an engine in that thrust class at this time". The potential order from El Al and LanChile could exceed 20 aircraft, believes P&W.
Source: Flight International
