Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Pratt & Whitney makes $1 billion R&D investment

Pratt & Whitney Canada will invest more than $1 billion in research and development over five years to develop the next generation of high-performance aircraft engines. Much of the work will focus on reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and less noise for all engines in the company’s product line.

"This major investment will enable us to sustain our engineering centers of excellence in Ontario and Quebec and reinforce our position as a leader in the global aerospace industry," said Pratt & Whitney Canada President John Saabas.

Research and development programs include cutting-edge materials such as composites and advanced alloys to lower engine weight, high-efficiency compressor technology to enhance performance and reduce fuel consumption, and improvements to the Talon combustion system to further reduce emissions.

A new facility scheduled for completion in spring 2011 will be used to assemble and test the PurePower PW1524G for the Bombardier CSeries and the PW800 engine family for the next generation of large business jets.

Work has begun on the Global Aerospace Center for Icing and Environmental Research (GLACIER) in Thompson, Manitoba. GLACIER will specialize in ice tests for aerospace engine certification programs.

Alton Marsh
Alton K. Marsh
Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.

Related Articles