BA-CS100

United Technologies has completed testing of its geared-turbofan engine, which will power Bombardier’s CSeries airliner, clearing an important step for the delayed Canadian aircraft.

United Technologies chief executive officer Louis Chenevert was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying that the testing was complete and the company expected to receive certification of the engine from the regulators in two weeks.

"We have completed all the certification testing, endurance and ice testing."

"We have completed all the certification testing, endurance and ice testing," Chenevert said.

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies, decided to develop the new geared turbofan jet engine for regional and smaller jets, but not for Boeing’s 777x widebody aeroplane, as it would not be feasible to focus on another programme, Chenevert added.

With the launch of 100 to 149-seat CSeries single-aisle jets, Bombardier is seeking to to end the market domination of Boeing’s 737 and Airbus A320 aeroplanes with the bigger CSeries jets.

Initially, the maiden flight for the CSeries jetliner was scheduled for the end of 2012.

However, in November 2012, Bombardier pushed its scheduled date for the first flight of its CSeries jet back by six months to June 2013 due to supplier delays in the delivery of components.

Bombardier expects the deliveries of CS100 aircraft to begin by mid-2014, with the CS300 variant to enter service by the end of 2014.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries jet line is expected to offer 20% fuel savings and a 15% operating cost advantage to airlines.

United Technologies, headquartered in Connecticut, US, is involved in manufacturing of aircraft engines, helicopters, HVAC, fuel cells, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others.

Image: Bombardier expects to begin the deliveries of CS100 airplanes by mid-2014. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.