Pratt & Whitney Global Material Solutions Tests First CFM56-3 Engine Parts

Jan. 18, 2007
The tests are used to generate performance and telemetry data which enables Pratt & Whitney to understand the operating parameters of the engine in all conditions at each stage of operation.

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, successfully completed the first engine test with Pratt & Whitney re-engineered and manufactured CFM56-3 engine parts.

"The testing of our parts in the engine is one of the final milestones as we near certification and delivery of the first Pratt & Whitney manufactured CFM56-3 engine parts," said Jim Pennito, Pratt & Whitney Global Material Solutions program director. "It is the first in a series of engine tests weplan to run with our CFM56-3 parts. In addition to performance tests, our test and validation program will include a 150-hour endurance test."

Pratt & Whitney owns two CFM56-3 engines which have been used to conduct several engine tests. The tests are used to generate performance and telemetry data which enables Pratt & Whitney to understand the operating parameters of the engine in all conditions at each stage of operation. The data are then entered into Pratt & Whitney's CFM56-3 engine lifing analysis system, which will be used to certify new life-limited parts for the CFM56-3 engine in early 2008. To date, the two engines have logged more than 175 hours and nearly 650 cycles.

"We expect to conclude the engine test program for our gas-path parts within the next few months and at that time we will aggressively move toward certification and first deliveries," continued Pennito.

Global Material Solutions, an industry-revolutionizing initiative delivering OEM-quality life-limited and gas-path parts for the CFM56(R) engine at a competitive price, was announced in February 2006. The new business' first customer is United Airlines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

Contact: Jennifer Arsenault

860.565.9600 [email protected]

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney

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