EAST HARTFORD, CT -- Pratt & Whitney's PurePower engine family has been recognized with the 2008 Technology Breakthrough Award from the China Aviation Association and AVIC Science and Technology department. The award, presented at China's largest air show in Zhuhai, recognizes innovation in commercial aviation and aerospace. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp.
"We are honored to be recognized with this prestigious award, which recognizes the game-changing technology in our PurePower family of engines," said Todd Kallman, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines & Global Services. "The PurePower engine will deliver double-digit improvements in fuel burn, environmental emissions, engine noise and operating costs. This is a truly comprehensive solution to the economic and environmental challenges facing our industry and we are proud to bring this product to the market."
"The world aviation industry faces tremendous pressure for profitable operations and these challenges call for a next-generation engine powering a next-generation aircraft," said Zhang Ju En, secretary general, China Aviation Association, at the ceremony. "We are glad to see that Pratt & Whitney is taking the lead to be the pioneer with the successful development of this game-changing product. The PurePower engine will bring significant environmental and economical benefits to the aviation industry."
The PurePower PW1000G engine uses a state-of-the-art gear system allowing the engine's fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The result is a step-change improvement in fuel efficiency and a slower fan speed for much lower noise. The PurePower PW1000G engine is an all new centerline engine that includes next generation technology in every major module.
In 2007, Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1000G engine was selected as the exclusive power for the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet and the Bombardier CSeries. The Mitsubishi Regional Jet program announced its first customer in March 2008, with an order from All Nippon Airways. The CSeries was launched in July 2008 with a letter of interest for up to 60 aircraft from Lufthansa. Both aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2013.
