Pratt & Whitney starts A320neo engine flight test program

[Ockie]

Courtesy, Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney has entered the flight testing program with its PW1100G geared turbofan engine for the Airbus A320neo.
Pratt said Monday that a PW1100G engine flew aboard its Boeing 747 flying testbed for the first time May 15 from the company’s Mirabel, Quebec, facilities. Pratt in April completed more than 120 hours of ground testing on its first PW1100G test engine at its West Palm Beach, Fla., facilities
Pratt VP-commercial development programs Bob Saia said in a statement, “The first flight went smoothly and cleared the way for about 40 flights planned for this phase of the program.” Certification for the PW1100G is planned for the 2014 third quarter with entry into service targeted for the 2015 fourth quarter, Pratt said.