The first Boeing 777-300 powered by the 436kN (98,000lb)-thrust Pratt & Whitney PW4098 engine had its maiden flight from the company's Everett site on 4 February.
The engine is the most powerful yet developed for the 777, although it will initially be operated in the tests at a derated thrust setting of 374kN to maintain balance with the PW4084 fitted to the No 2 position. "After a few flights, we will run it up to 98,000lb and operate with a thrust mix-match," says 777 test-programmes chief engineer Roger Houck.
The PW4098-powered 777-300 is due to be certificated around September before delivery to Korean Air.
Source: Flight International
