Pratt & Whitney is studying military applications for the PW6000 turbofan following finalisation of its redesign with MTU's HDV12 high-pressure compressor (HPC) and rescheduling of its certification and development plan for the Airbus A318.
A variety of possibilities are in the pipeline, says P&W executive vice-president for large commercial engines, Bob Leduc, who lists "C-130-size replacements and UAVs [unmanned air vehicles]" among candidates. P&W believes the 16,000-24,000lb (71-107kN) thrust range of the advanced turbofan covers the power requirements for several potential advanced tactical transport concepts as well as larger military UAVs.
The move is part of a United Technologies drive to focus the resources of P&W, Hamilton Sundstrand and Sikorsky on the emerging UAV and unmanned combat air vehicle marketplace. P&W provides the JT15D for the Northrop Grumman X-47A, and is working with Hamilton Standard on an integrated power module concept for UAV/UCAVs combining engine, inlet, exhaust, starter, electrical generator and accessories into one unit.
P&W is anxious to find new applications for the PW6000 since its once 100% market share on the A318 is down by around half. Airbus has 54 firm orders for the PW6000-powered A318, with deliveries rescheduled from early next year to the third quarter of 2005.
Flight testing of the PW6000-powered A318 began in January and a second PW6000-powered aircraft joined the test programme on 3 June. The first aircraft will be diverted to the CFM56 certification effort from August after being re-engined. This programme is due for completion next May, after which the testbed will be refitted with the revised PW6000, with engine certification due in the second quarter of 2004.
Source: Flight International
