Turbine Tech

Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11:11 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Cutting-edge turbine engine technology is transforming aviation by enhancing efficiency and extending aircraft range, effectively making the world "smaller."
Current innovations include Pratt & Whitney Canada's scalable PW600 engine family, powering very light jets like the Eclipse 500 and Cessna Citation Mustang.
Future developments, such as Rolls-Royce's Open Rotor and E3E programs, aim for significant fuel economy improvements (up to 30%) and reduced emissions by 2025.
GE's TechX engine enhancements are enabling next-generation business jets, like Bombardier's Global series, to achieve ultra-long ranges nearing 8,000 nautical miles.

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Cutting-edge turbine engine technology is changing the face of aviation — and making the world a much smaller place. Here’s how.

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW600 turbine engine family developed for very light jets is scalable from 900 to 3,000 pounds of thrust. Versions of the engine power the Eclipse 500, Cessna Citation Mustang and Embraer Phenom 100.

With its Open Rotor technology demonstration program, Rolls-Royce is targeting the introduction of a family of superefficient propfan engines by 2025 that could boost fuel economy over current technology by 30 percent.

Technology enhancements in GE’s TechX engine will stretch the range of Bombardier’s next generation of Global business jets to nearly 8,000 nautical miles.

Rolls-Royce is evaluating new engine core technology, called E3E for “efficiency, environment and economy.” The goals of the program are to cut fuel burn by 15 percent and meet the future European emissions requirements.

The inside of a turbine engine.

Standard Aero technicians perform a core zone inspection — the old-fashioned way — on a GE CF34 engine, a mature design that powers a variety of business and regional jets built by Bombardier and Embraer.

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