Pratt & Whitney has concluded the ground testing of the PW1217G engine, the first of its PW1200G family, for Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).

Being the first of an eight-engine validation and certification programme, the PW1217G engine has completed more than 300 hours and 1,100 cycles.

The combination of the gear system and advanced core of the PurePower family of engines allows the aircraft to deliver double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions as well as a 50% noise reduction.

The new engines will also power Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft, Airbus’s A320neo aircraft, and the Irkut MC-21 narrow-body jet.

Pratt & Witney said the engine is scheduled to enter into service by 2014.