Expect a major battle in the market for 3,000 to 5,000 pounds
thrust turbofans as Pratt & Whitney Canada announces plans
to retain what it calls its key leadership role in a key market
segment.
"That is a critical market for us, probably our most important market,
and we have invested significant dollars in new technologies to
secure it," PWC president Alain Bellemare told Show News.
Studies range from infusing new technology into the PW500 series
of engines that power the Cessna Citation Bravo, Ultra Encore and
Excel, to launching a new engine as Pratt determines how best to
position itself for the long run. "We are looking at it, but
there is nothing concrete yet," Bellemare said.
Archrival Honeywell is already running an AS907-derived demonstrator
core as it develops a new engine in this thrust range to replace
its TFE731; Rolls-Royce disclosed here it is contemplating an all-new
engine in this thrust range; and Williams is planning to enter the
market with its biggest yet FJ44, the 4,500 pounds thrust -4.
Honeywell forecasts that 2,100 new light and light/medium business
jets using this size engine will be delivered in the next 10 years.
Along with the Citations they include the Hawker 400XP, Learjet
40, and Learjet 45/45XR and Gulfstream G100. In addition, the
larger engines in this class power the Dassault Falcon 900, Learjet
36 and Raytheon Hawker 800.
