Technology from its commercial aircraft engines combined with components from its military powerplants will deliver a 20% fuel burn improvement for the next generation subsonic bomber, according to Pratt & Whitne.

The Connecticut engine manufacturer is working with several airframers to define the requirements for its PW9000 powerplant. It expects that the engine will take shape over the next four to six years.

It will use the core from its commercial PW1000G geared turbofan - the high-pressure compressor, combustor and high-pressure turbine - coupled with "optimised" elements from its F135 military engine - the fan and low-pressure turbine - to produce the PW9000. P&W anticipates a 20% fuel burn improvement for the engine.

"By taking commercially developed components and combining them with others from our military programmes, we can dramatically cut costs while meeting the capability requirement," said Bill Gostic, vice-president for advanced programmes and technology.

"It's an important product for us, it addresses the DoD's drive for more fuel-efficient engines."

As well as the proposed subsonic bomber, potential uses include intelligence and reconnaissance unmanned air vehicles.

Source: Flight Daily News