Pratt & Whitney has given the go-ahead for the next round of studies of a supersonic engine based on the JT8D-219 following a successful review on 4 November.
The new engine version, if sanctioned, is being adapted to power the Aerion-designed supersonic business jet. P&W, which has spent $1 million on the studies to -date, says the new supersonic venture could keep the engine program active until 2020.
Nozzle
Clearing the “System Level 0” review allows P&W to launch into further work on defining the inlet and nozzle “to ensure we meet Stage 4 noise levels”, says advanced commercial engines and technologies program manager Peter Robertson.
The supersonic work is also expected to gain impetus by the end of this year with the widely expected award of an E-8 JSTARS re-engining contract from the US Air Force, which would enable P&W to reopen the JT8D line by early 2006.
The initial study phase examined potential concerns over the durability of the engine for sustained supersonic operations, and design adaptations to overcome these issues. A fan blade stability test using a fully instrumented JT8D is also planned for 2006, says Robertson.
Source: Flight Daily News
