GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Engine certification set for next year as Honeywell chosen to supply air turbine starter
Pratt &Whitney Canada has begun testing the PW307A turbofan for Dassault's Falcon 7X long-range business jet. The engine reached its 6,100lb (27kN) maximum rated thrust in an initial series of ground runs to be completed this month.
Dassault, meanwhile, has selected Honeywell to supply the air turbine starter system for the 7X's engines.
Engine certification is scheduled for December 2004, with the first flight of the three-engined 7X planned for 2005, leading to aircraft certification and first deliveries in 2006. The Falcon 7X has a new high-transonic wing, giving a maximum operating Mach number of 0.9 and a range of 10,500km (5,700nm) at M0.8.
The PW307A is the latest member of the PW300 family, which includes the 7,000lb-thrust PW308C powering the improved Falcon 2000EX twinjet, deliveries of which are scheduled to begin in the first quarter.
P&WC says the engine has a new, higher-efficiency fan which increases airflow and reduces noise; a higher-flow core for increased thrust; a low-volume combustion chamber for reduced emissions and increased durability; improved aerodynamics in both the high- and low-pressure turbines; and a higher-efficiency exhaust mixer for reduced fuel consumption.
P&WC is under contract to supply the integrated powerplant system for the 7X, with Aermacchi/Hurel-Hispano joint venture MHD producing the nacelles and thrust reversers. MTU is providing the low-pressure turbine module for the PW307A. The engine is targeted to enter service with a 7,200h time between overhauls.
Honeywell was to deliver a prototype air turbine starter by the end of 2002. The system includes a "unique" clutch that allows the starter to be used for an emergency restart without waiting for the engine to stop rotating.
Honeywell is also supplying the 7X's auxiliary power unit, which will be used for pneumatic engine starting and cabin air conditioning, as well as the air management system and hydraulic power-generation system (with Parker). The Dassault Easy flightdeck avionics will be based on Honeywell's Primus Epic architecture.
Source: Flight International
