Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Engine is Getting a Major Upgrade

Source: Pratt & Whitney

Avweek reports that Pratt & Whitney is rolling out a comprehensive series of upgrades for its Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family, aiming to resolve past durability issues while simultaneously boosting performance.

The centerpiece of this initiative is the new “GTF Advantage” package for the PW1100G engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a significant redesign of the engine’s core. The Advantage package features increased airflow to reduce operating temperatures and an improved hot section – including advanced airfoil designs, more durable coatings, and optimized cooling – all designed to double the engine’s time on wing.

Pratt & Whitney says the changes result in a 4% thrust increase at sea level and up to 8% at higher altitudes. They also reduce fuel burn by 1%, which, while a small nominal decrease, offers substantial annual fuel savings to airlines.

For airlines already operating A320neo family aircraft, Pratt & Whitney has developed the HS+ retrofit package. This upgrade allows existing PW1100G engines to receive approximately 95% of the durability benefits of the full Advantage package. By incorporating key components like the improved combustor, enhanced turbine blades, and a revised bearing compartment, the HS+ package is designed to nearly double the engine’s durability. This provides a crucial pathway for current operators to enhance reliability without replacing their entire engine.

The smaller PW1500G and PW1900G engines, used on the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 regional jet families, respectively, are also slated to receive similar upgrades, including redesigned combustors and new turbine hardware.

Pratt & Whitney is also introducing a software update that implements reduced climb thrust ratings. This change in settings reduces temperatures in the hot section during the most demanding phase of flight, extending the engine’s time on wing by anywhere from 5-20%.