FARNBOROUGH — On the heels of the launch of Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft, engine maker Pratt & Whitney announced Monday it has commenced flight testing for its new Geared Turbofan engine that will power the new narrow body.
Flying under the wing of a Boeing 747SP, the GTF took to the sky for the first time Friday in Plattsburg, New York.
The GTF employs a gearbox to allow the engine fan to spin 3 times slower than the engine core allowing for increased airflow through the engine and reduced fuel burn and noise.
The GTF has been selected to power both the CSeries and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet which are both scheduled to enter service in 2013.
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.