May 1 2008
Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. , has selected Goodrich Corporation to be the exclusive provider of the complete nacelle systems for its new Geared Turbofan engine for both the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) and the Bombardier CSeries aircraft families.
The award is expected to generate more than $5 billion in original equipment and aftermarket revenue for Goodrich during the 25-year period following entry into service.
Under the agreement, the Goodrich Aerostructures business unit, headquartered in Chula Vista, Calif., will produce the entire nacelle systems, including the inlet, fan cowl, thrust reverser, exhaust system, and engine mounts.
"Goodrich has been a longstanding partner of Pratt & Whitney's and we are delighted to continue that partnership on the Geared Turbofan engine program," said Bob Saia, Pratt & Whitney vice president, Next Generation Product Family. "The Goodrich nacelle system on the Geared Turbofan demonstrator engine is performing very well and we look forward to flight testing the complete propulsion system later this year."
Cindy Egnotovich, Goodrich Segment President for Nacelles & Interior Systems, said, "We are pleased to continue our long relationship with Pratt & Whitney by providing vital components for an optimally integrated propulsion system for the Geared Turbofan. This engine represents a step-change in technology and the nacelle system will be a major contributor to a lower-weight, high-performance propulsion system."
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries officially launched the MRJ on March 28, 2008. Launch of the Bombardier CSeries is expected later this year. Due in large part to the new Geared Turbofan engine technologies, these new aircraft are expected to deliver up to 20 percent more efficient fuel burn, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions about 20 percent and nitrous oxide emissions by more than 50 percent over competing in-service airplanes. In addition, the Geared Turbofan engine is expected to reduce engine noise more than 20 decibels below the new Stage 4 (U.S.) requirements that go into effect later this year.
Goodrich began working with Pratt & Whitney on the engine concept and prototype development in early 2005. That effort resulted in the delivery of hardware for the flight test program scheduled to begin later this year.
Posted May 1st,2008