Pratt & Whitney has dismissed claims by its International Aero Engines partner Rolls-Royce of patent infringement.
The UK engine maker has filed a lawsuit against P&W, claiming patent infringement for the design of blades in fan stages of the PW1000G geared turbofan powering the Bombardier CSeries and the Mitsubishi MRJ regional jet and the GP7200 that powers the Airbus A380. P&W has a separate joint venture with GE, the Engine Alliance, that offers the A380 powerplant.
"Pratt & Whitney believes the named engines do not infringe the Rolls-Royce patent and further that the Rolls-Royce patent is invalid and unenforceable. Pratt & Whitney believes the lawsuit lacks merit and will vigorously defend itself," P&W says.
P&W and R-R are partnered with MTU and Japanese Aero Engines in building the V2500 that powers the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing MD-90. Relations among the partners have been tense as they attempt to reach an agreement on engine architecture for an advanced turbofan design to power Airbus's proposed A320 "New Engine Option" re-engining.
Source: Flight International
