MRJ aircraft

Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1200G engine has successfully completed its first flight test programme on the stub wing aboard the company’s Boeing 747SP flying test bed.

According to the company, the flight test programme certified the PW1200G engine’s in-flight performance, operability and control systems; it involved 23 flights and 127 hours on the test bed.

Pratt & Whitney development programmes vice president Bob Saia sai: "To date, we have completed more than 3,000 hours and more than 9,000 cycles of full engine testing for the entire PurePower geared turbofan engine programme and we continue to see the geared architecture’s benefits in dependability, reduced fuel consumption, lower noise and emissions."

An advanced gear system, which is equipped in the PurePower engine line, will allow the engine’s fan to work at a variable speed when compared to the low-pressure compressor and turbine.

The PurePower engine range, featuring flight proven, next-generation technology, also comprises a high-pressure compressor, a low-emissions combustor, and a modern high-pressure turbine module.

“We have completed more than 3,000 hours and more than 9,000 cycles of full engine testing for the entire PurePower geared turbofan engine programme."

Pratt & Whitney said that the blend of the gear system and a new advanced core would deliver double-digit fuel efficiency enhancements, in addition to enhanced environmental emissions and noise.

The PW1200G engine is expected to power Mitsubishi Aircraft’s (MAC) Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), which is currently under development.

The 70 to 90-seat MRJ is a next-generation regional jet, featuring new aerodynamic design, noise analysis technologies and a human-centred flight deck with fly-by-wire.

Scheduled to enter into production by 2012, the MRJ, will have four-abreast seat configuration, large overhead bins and a slim seat to provide improved comfort.

Image: The Mitsubishi Regional Jet is scheduled to perform its maiden flight in 2013. Photo: courtesy of ILA-boy.