Pratt & Whitney completed the first test flight for its PW1900G PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engine at the Mirabel Flight Test Center in Montreal, in advance of delivery to Embraer for its E2 series aircraft. "We are excited to be a part of Embraer's E-Jets E2 program providing the industry-leading benefits of the geared turbofan engine, including significant reductions in noise, emissions and fuel burn," stated Greg Gernhardt, president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines.
P&W’s The PurePower GTF is a jet engine designed with a gear system separating the engine fan from the low-pressure compressor and turbine, so that each module operates at optimal speed. This means that the fan can rotate more slowly as the low-pressure compressor and turbine operate at a high speed, increasing engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise. The engine builder also indicated that increased efficiency translates to fewer engine stages and parts, which reduces the engines’ weight and maintenance costs.
Recently, the PurePower GTF was cited as an “aviation climate solution” by the Air Transport Action Group, a coalition of aviation industry companies and organizations that promote the “sustainable” technologies.
Almost two years ago the Brazilian jet builder selected Pratt & Whitney to supply the turbofan engines for its new, more fuel-efficient regional jets, due to debut in 2018. The jet builder has 175 firm orders for the E190-E2 and E195-E2 models.
The PW1900G engine model being tested at Mirabel was assembled at Pratt & Whitney's Middletown Engine Center in Connecticut.
"The start of engine flight testing is an important milestone for us as we bring the E-Jets second generation from concept to reality," stated Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Paulo Cesar Silva. "The addition of PurePower engines into our proven aircraft with an award winning cabin provides a compelling value proposition for our customers."
The PurePower engine family has completed more than 23,000 hours of testing and 40,000 cycles.
