It's No American Dream: Pratt & Whitney GIF Engine Now a Reality... and chosen in Time's November issue one of 'The 50 Best Inventions of the Year'

摘要

In the August 2008 issue of Gear Technology, we ran a story ("Gearbox Speed Reducer Helps Fan Technology for 'Greener" Jet Fuel Efficiency') on the then ongoing, extremely challenging and protracted development of Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan (GTF) jet engine. If successful, the engine would provide a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions and fuel burn and up to 50 percent in general noise reduction. The targeted market and application for the engine was the narrow-body commercial airline industry - until now a dormant market for P & W - which had long demanded a total plane package that would achieve reduced maintenance, lower emissions, better fuel burn, greater reliability and operating costs - all for a better price.