It was 2018 , P&W was struggling with defects , Airbus SE stated, almost a third of its Pratt & Whitney GTF -powered A320neo aircraft are affected by a new engine glitch that forced the European planemaker to halt some deliveries of the popular narrow-body jet.
That time , the European manufacturer was forced to suspend deliveries of A320neos with Pratt engines, according to IndiGo, the Indian low-cost airline that’s the plane’s biggest customer. Eventually, the Indian carrier opted for the CFM Leap engines for it's subsequent orders.
Now, Pratt & Whitney is trying to consolidate, a Raytheon Technologies business , today pitched forward the 'GTF Advantage' engine, technically 1st update of 2016 GTF engine made for the Airbus A320 Neo aircraft.
P&W says ,
The Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ engine for Airbus A320neo family aircraft further extends the economic and environmental benefits of the existing GTF engine. The GTF Advantage configuration reduces fuel consumption by an additional 1 percent, extending the engine's lead as the most efficient powerplant for the A320neo family.
Pratt & Whitney also claims that, the engine decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 17 percent compared to prior-generation engines. Additionally, the GTF Advantage engine will be compatible with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at entry into service, helping the industry meet its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
This new configuration delivers higher thrust, both at sea level and for "hot and high" airports. With up to 34,000 pounds of takeoff thrust per engine, the Advantage configuration makes GTF the most powerful engine for the A320neo family. The higher thrust rating enables increased range and payload, unlocking more destinations for airlines.
Thats not all, the current generation of Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines for the Airbus A320neo family reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 16 percent compared to prior-generation engines and are certified to operate on 50 percent SAF.
"GTF engines met or exceeded fuel, emissions and noise commitments from day one and have since achieved a strong record of dependability and low operating cost," said Carroll Lane, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF Advantage provides even more value to our customers, both in revenue potential and environmental impact, with lower fuel burn and new route opportunities."
The GTF Advantage configuration includes technology enhancements throughout the engine core, for which Pratt & Whitney has already completed more than a year of ground and flight testing. The engine will be available for A320neo family aircraft starting in January 2024.
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For a seamless introduction for operators, this new configuration will be interchangeable with already delivered engines and will become the new production standard for A320neo family aircraft.
"We always said our geared fan architecture has a long runway for growth and future development, and the GTF Advantage demonstrates this," said Tom Pelland, senior vice president of GTF Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
"Our gear system, and the overall engine architecture it enables, are foundational to unlock the benefits of advanced aerodynamics, materials and systems. We are committed to continuing to invest in these technologies for the next generation of commercial aircraft."
As per P&W, since entering service in early 2016, GTF engines have saved operators more than 600 million gallons (more than two billion liters) of fuel and avoided more than six million metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
P&W also claims, with more than 1,100 aircraft, 58 airlines and three aircraft families – Airbus A320neo, Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jets E2 – GTF engines have also reduced noise footprint by 75 percent and regulated emissions by 50 percent to the CAEP/6 regulatory standard.
Source : Pratt & Whitney.
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