PW1000G

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and UTC Aerospace Systems to develop advanced core-engine technologies nacelles for commercial aircraft.

The companies will work together as part of the second phase of the agency’s continuous lower energy, emissions and noise (CLEEN II) initiative.

UTC Aerospace Systems’ Aerostructures business will develop new nacelle technologies to reduce engine fuel burn and noise.

The company has developed a set of technologies for its ecological integrated propulsion system (ecoIPS).

In partnership with P&W, UTC will produce a ground test demonstration unit to evaluate advanced nacelle technologies of its ecoIPS.

Planned to be performed on a P&W’s PW1000G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine, the ground test unit will have a short fan duct integrated thrust reverser with lower drag and improved acoustic treatment for noise reduction.

"Our goal is to have proven customer-value technologies demonstrated in our ecoIPS ready to enter into service."

UTC Aerospace Systems Aerostructures business president Marc Duvall said: "The advanced technologies we will develop as part of the CLEEN II technology demonstrator will build upon our design innovations currently being deployed on the world’s newest aircraft platforms, such as the Airbus A350 XWB and A320neo, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Bombardier CSeries and the Embraer E2.

"Our goal is to have proven customer-value technologies demonstrated in our ecoIPS ready to enter into service with the next-generation of new airplanes."

P&W will continue to explore advanced technologies for GTF engines, to enhance the thermal efficiency of the engine core.

P&W technology and environment vice-president Alan Epstein said: "Participating in this CLEEN programme will enable us to further advance the engine’s technologies and deliver additional significant fuel savings and environmental benefits."

Image: A PurePower PW1000G geared turbofan engine. Photo: courtesy of Bin im Garten.