MP Bob Dechert,
PW&C Pres. John Saabas
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United Technologies subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada recently announced that it will invest more than $1 billion in research and development over the next 5 years to develop the next generation of high-performance aircraft engines. The investment includes a $300 million repayable contribution from the Government of Canada via Industry Canada’s Strategic Aerospace and Defense Initiative (SADI) program, which was recently used to help global simulations leader CAE.
Recent firm projects have included membership in the Global Aerospace Center for Icing and Environmental Research (GLACIER) in Thompson, MB, and a large civil engine test facility in the new P&WC Mirabel Aerospace Centre. The centre’s Phase II will include a cutting-edge finishing line for PurePower PW1524G and PW800 engines, which use geared turbofan technology to substantially improve fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise. The firm will be adding about 200 engineer jobs as part of this program.
Pratt & Whitney Canada is best known in the civilian sector for its mix of for turboprop engines, helicopter turboshafts, and business jet turbofans. Beyond its new PurePower engines, its proprietary TALON (Technology Affordable LOw NOx) combustion technology aims at emissions reduction. In the military market, its PT6 engines are nearly a global standard for military tuboprop trainers, and its PT6 turboshafts fly in many military helicopters. The firm has averaged about C$ 400 million per year on R&D for the past 5 years, and has long-standing research relationships with Canadian universities. Pratt & Whitney Canada | Industry Canada | Toronto Star.