Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp., has announced the opening of a ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) engineering & development facility in California, US.

 

The new 60,000 sq-ft facility is an integrated engineering, development and low-rate production facility dedicated to CMCs for aerospace applications.

 

“Pratt & Whitney has been leading the industry with the world’s quietest, greenest, most efficient and highest performance engines in the world. We’ve achieved this by pioneering new materials, aerodynamics and engine architectures,” said its VP (Propulsion & Materials Technology) Frank Preli.

 

“Some of our best and brightest minds are innovating within this facility and they will ensure that we continue to operate on the cutting edge of aviation technology for decades to come,” he added.

 

Ceramic matrix composites are a class of material made of ceramic fibres embedded within a ceramic matrix. They are lightweight and can be used to manufacture engine parts that are one-third the weight of traditional metallic parts. 

 

The temperature capability of CMC parts is several hundred degrees higher than state-of-the-art superalloy parts. This translates into a significant improvement in fuel efficiency as well as weight savings, with the added benefit of reduced emissions and carbon footprint.

 

“Our revolutionary Pratt & Whitney GTF engines already deliver up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency, 50% lower regulated emissions and a 75% reduction in noise footprint for our customers. CMC parts will allow us to do even more, by building upon the industry-leading benefits in efficiency and sustainability that the GTF engine already delivers,” said Preli.

 

“We are excited to bring our legacy of innovation and more than 60 new jobs to southern California,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service