Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The long-standing and multi-faceted contribution to business aviation made by engine maker Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada (P&amp;WC) is set to reach another significant milestone with the anticipated service entry of Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600 jets, which are to be powered by its 16,000-pound-thrust class PurePower PW800 turbofans. The engines have now logged more than 13,000 test hours, including more than 6,000 on P&amp;WC’s flying test bed and on Gulfstream flight test aircraft.


The 15,144-pound-thrust PW814GA engine that powers the G500 is set to enter service ahead of schedule at the end of 2017. The five test aircraft have now logged more than 2,600 flight hours.


Fundamentally similar in terms of architecture, the 15,680-pound-thrust PW815GA engine powers the G600, which made its first flight on December 17, 2016. The new turbofan achieved FAA certification on February 14, 2017, and is set to get EASA approval soon.


Meanwhile, P&amp;WC has been busy preparing everything required for smooth service entry, according to PW800 marketing and customer service vice president Scott McElvaine. Initial technical publications are now ready, as are plans for starting maintenance training, parts distribution, product support capability across the OEM’s global network of service centers. Operators are already enrolling for ESP PurePower PW800 power-by-the-hour support plan.


According to P&amp;WC, the PW800 will enter service with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.99 percent. McElvaine told AIN the OEM feels confident in this bold prediction based on the many test hours conducted and the fact that the new engines draw on the proven architecture of the existing PW300 family that power other business jets.


The engine maker is looking to further bolster the reliability of its products through the extension of its flight acquisition storage and transmission system to more platforms. After a year of trials, the company also is now ready to commercially offer its new oil analysis technology system, which gives early notice of potential maintenance and performance issues.


P&amp;WC has promised that the PW800 family will deliver at least a 10 percent reduction in fuel burn (compared with existing engines in the same thrust class) and double-digit reductions in noise levels, even compared with the ICAO's 2010 CAEP 8 standards.


The chase for technology improvements continues for P&amp;WC, with the PW306D1 turbofan that powers Cessna’s new Latitude aircraft drawing on upgraded performance developed for the PW307B’s on the rival Dassault Falcon 8X. Similarly, the PW308C+ engine tapped Talon combustor technology developed for the PW307A, the PW307D used performance improvement mixer technology from the PW306D and D1 turbofans, and the integrally bladed fan on the PW800 has its origins in the PW500 and PW600.


Turboprop Power


In P&amp;WC’s extensive PT6 turboprop family, more capability is also on the way. According to Nick Kanellias, senior director for general aviation programs, the company will be ready to unveil a new 2,000-hp version by year-end and this will incorporate technology from its turbofan cousins, such as reverse flow architecture, as it aims to deliver greater performance and efficiency for operators.


EASA’s long-awaited approval of commercial single-engine IFR operations is expected to be a fresh stimulus for demand for turboprop-powered aircraft that can profitably perform missions that would not be viable with jets. To ensure that this can be achieved safely, Kanellias explained that P&amp;WC is working to incorporate features such as an electronic control system for PT6 engines as soon as possible.


P&amp;WC (Booth O105A) is marking the recent delivery of the group’s 100,000th engine. This achievement will be celebrated with OEM partners and operators this week here at the EBACE show in Geneva.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

New Technology Drives Expansion of Pratt's Engine Family

Pratt & Whitney Canada's new PW800 turbofans are close to entering service with Gulfstream's new G500 and G600 jets.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

EBACE 2017

More In Engines

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

Rolls-Royce Expands Capacity and Predictability in Engine Support

A new hangar in Indianapolis and better access to engine data are boosting the CorporateCare program

Honeywell Ensemble Offers Real-time Engine Monitoring

The solution provides automated data reporting for business jet turbofan engines

Skydiving Operator Commits to Electric Caravan Aircraft

Norway's Skydive Voss, Dovetail Electric Aviation and Scandinavian Seaplanes will conduct flight tests

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN