Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
An advanced technology geared turbofan that will form the basis of a new family of engines in the 107-156kN (24,000-35,000lb) thrust range is to be launched by Pratt & Whitney.
P&W will use the new engine to challenge the market dominance of CFM International's CFM56. It is expected to be offered for existing Airbus and Boeing single-aisle families, as well as new airframes.
The launch could be announced as early as 17 February, when P&W president Karl Krapek reveals the company's annual statement to financial analysts in New York. P&W declines to comment.
Key technology for the engine centres on the gearbox that connects the core to the low pressure system and the advanced fan. P&W's earlier work on the advanced ducted propulsor (ADP) proved the technology with a gearbox designed by Fiat of Italy.
Studies have aimed at a bypass ratio of between ten and 11, although it is not yet known whether the first engine to be launched will be set at this level.
P&W will rely on the geared fan, plus the low fuel consumption and noise characteristics that should result from using such a high bypass ratio, to achieve its substantial cost savings target.
The company has already hinted that it will avoid the costly pitfalls that brought about the end of the ADP, namely the complex thrust-reversing fan blade mechanism and the extensive use of expensive composite materials.
The new engine is likely to have a conventional thrust reverser mechanism and fixed, wide chord blades, based on technology already used for the larger PW4000.
The core that will power the geared turbofan is unknown, but could come from the PW6000, under test as a potential JT8D-sized replacement for the low-cost regional market. The thrust size of the International Aero Engines V2500, in which P&W is a major partner with Rolls-Royce, provide another option.
Source: Flight International
