#United States #RTX #Pratt & Whitney #East Hartford #GTF Advantage

Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage™ Engine Achieves FAA Certification

Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX, has marked a significant milestone with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granting type certification to its GTF Advantage™ engine. This latest addition to the GTF family is specifically designed for the Airbus A320neo series, enhancing its capabilities and environmental performance.

Rick Deurloo, the president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, expressed excitement about the new engine's capabilities, stating, "GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for single-aisle aircraft. The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead and enhances aircraft capability, providing more thrust and even more value to operators of A320neo family aircraft, especially on longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR, all with a more durable configuration."

Enhanced Performance Features

The GTF Advantage engine is set to provide an enhanced takeoff thrust of 4 to 8%, translating into higher payload capacities and extended range for airlines. As economic pressures mount globally, this advanced engine promises superior fuel efficiency while contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Pratt & Whitney is also committed to adapting the GTF Advantage to meet future specifications for 100% sustainable aviation fuel, ensuring alignment with global environmental initiatives.

Technological Innovations

Critically, the GTF Advantage engine features a comprehensive redesign of life-limited parts and incorporated numerous technological enhancements throughout the gas path. These advancements include increased airflow in the core to lower operating temperatures, thereby improving durability. The high-pressure turbine (HPT) has also been upgraded with an advanced airfoil design and improved coatings, which significantly enhance performance and longevity. The advancements in the combustor's cooling holes—spanning shape, size, and location—result from sophisticated drilling techniques aimed to mitigate oxidation and extend the lifetime of the engine.

Extensive Testing and Proven Reliability

The development of the GTF Advantage engine was supported by rigorous testing and endurance trials, exceeding twice the testing volume of the previous GTF models. Data indicates that the new engine benefits from over 100,000 hours of combined engine and rig testing across all GTF programs, alongside 38 million flight hours gathered from in-service operations.

As a testament to its robust performance, over 2,200 GTF-powered aircraft have already been delivered to more than 80 customers across the globe, significantly improving fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Since their introduction into the market, GTF engines have helped airlines collectively save over 2 billion gallons of fuel, which directly equates to a reduction of 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Future Prospects

Demand for the GTF engine continues to be strong, with a total of approximately 11,000 orders and commitments from various platforms. As Pratt & Whitney approaches a century of innovation in aerospace technology, the GTF Advantage engine symbolizes their commitment to pioneering efficient and eco-friendly aviation solutions. The company anticipates the first commercial deliveries of this remarkable engine within the year, marking a major step forward in aviation technology.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney stands as a global leader in the engineering, manufacturing, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems. With a legacy rooted in innovation and quality, the company continues to expand its influence in advancing aviation technologies. For more information on their remarkable achievements, visit Pratt & Whitney's website.

About RTX

RTX positions itself as the world líder in aerospace and defense, comprising nearly 185,000 employees dedicated to advancing technology and enhancing global security operations. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company combines its expertise across leading businesses—Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon—to deliver next-generation technological solutions to meet customer needs in an ever-evolving marketplace.