Pratt & Whitney introduces the PWG Advantage
Pratt & Whitney announces a new version of the PWG Advantage engine.
The development of this new version is advanced and has accumulated more than 1000 hours of flight tests. It will be available for the A320neo family from 2024. This engine offers a power increase of around 4%. In addition, it offers fuel savings of around 1%. Finally, the combustion temperature is reduced, which increases reliability and longevity. It is fully compatible with the already delivered PW1100G. Airlines will therefore be able to change either or both engines on the wing without a problem. It will also be able to operate using only biofuels.
These improvements are the result of increased efficiency of low-pressure compressors. Part of the increased air volume is used in the combustion chamber. This is what improves fuel efficiency and power. Another part of the excess air is used for cooling the combustion chamber. The temperature reduction is in the range of 20 to 50 degrees, which is a lot.
Better Suited for the A321XLR
At first glance, the improvements to the PW1100G seem minor on the Advantage. But in reality it adds a lot of flexibility to an aircraft like the A321XLR. At an airport like Mexico City, the high altitude severely limits the takeoff weight of an aircraft. Airlines must then make a choice. Reduce the number of passengers, therefore less income or reduce the quantity of fuel, which reduces the distance that can be covered.
With the Advantage, the range could be increased by 750 nm from Mexico City. This therefore adds flexibility in using an aircraft like the A321XLR. Therefore, the Advantage is well suited to the A321XLR allowing it to achieve its range in several situations.
More Improvements to Come
Pratt & Whitney considers the GTF to be disruptive technology and that the engine is only in its infancy. Several improvements are therefore to come, including the use of new materials. The manufacturer estimates that it will be able to improve fuel consumption by another 5%.
According to the engineering team, the PWG is the engine that will be the easiest to adapt to hybrid propulsion. It is the presence of the gearbox that would allow an electric motor to be placed between the blower and the motor.
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