First flight of the PW4090-powered version of the Boeing 777-200IGW is expected to take place by the end of October. The PW4090 is the first growth version of the baseline PW4084, and was certificated by the US Federal Aviation Administration in June 1996, rated at 400kN. Initial deliveries of PW4090-powered 777s are expected to United Airlines and Korean Air in March 1997.
Also under development is the 436kN-thrust PW4098, which will power the 777-300 and ultra-long-range 777-100X/200X. Korean Air is due to begin operations with this engine variant in January 1998.
P&W unveiled its 67-107kN-thrust PW6000 series in February, with the Aviation Industries of China Air Express AE-100 and the IPTN N2130 100-seat regional jet leading among the potential applications. The engine emerged from the Mid-Thrust Family of Engines study on which P&W had been working with Germany's MTU, which subsequently decided not to join the programme. The AE-100 is not likely to enter service before 2002, with the N2130 following around 2004.
The two-shaft PW6000 has a single-stage high-pressure (HP) turbine, driving a six-stage HP compressor. P&W have signed up Northrop Grumman to build the engine's nacelle, while Hispano-Suiza will take responsibility for the thrust reverser. P&W, meanwhile, have delivered the first three F119 turbofan engines to the US Air Force. Two are to be installed in the first F-22 flight-test aircraft, and were delivered three months ahead of schedule. The third is to undergo altitude testing at the USAF's Arnold Engineering and Development Center.
P&W is contracted, to provide 27 engines to support nine flight-test F-22s. P&W said that its engineers have identified configuration changes that will bring the F119 inside contract specifications for specific fuel consumption.
A development F119 is being run in an accelerated mission endurance test.
Derivatives of the F119 engine have been selected by all three contractor teams competing for the US Joint Strike Fighter concept-demonstration programme.
Source: Flight International
