The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage engine for use on the Airbus A320neo family.
The Advantage is the latest variant of the PW1100G geared turbofan powerplant. Modifications increase airflow to the engine core, reducing operating temperatures. Other changes include improved coatings for the high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades, and design modifications to the combustor that optimize cooling-hole sizes and locations, reducing oxidation.
The Advantage will deliver 4-8 percent more thrust and greater payload-range capability to A320neo family jets equipped with the engines, along with improved durability in service.
P&W says the Advantage is “fully intermixable and interchangeable” with the existing GTF family. The manufacturer plans to begin delivering the Advantage later this year. Eventually, it will become the standard production model.
