Pratt & Whitney launched the second phase of ground testing for the Geared Turbofan (GTF) demonstrator engine in advance of the first in-flight test around mid-year.
The Phase II test for the next-generation narrowbody engine due for delivery in 2013 adds a flight capable nacelle and focuses on engine and acoustic performance, Pratt says in a statement.
Pratt completed Phase 1 of the ground test programme in November. Those tests validated the design of several key components, including the fan drive gear system, the low pressure compressor, thermal management and the fan.
“The results surpassed our pre-test predictions in every major area, demonstrating the fuel burn, noise and thermal management characteristics of this new architecture,” Bob Saia, Pratt’s VP, next generation product family, says in a statement.
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The GTF has been launched on the Bombardier CSeries programme and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) programme, with the latter picking up a launch order for 25 aircraft two weeks ago by All Nippon Airways.
The GTF demonstrator engine so far has logged a total of 130 hours in ground testing.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
