ALBANY, N.Y. -- Wright Electric has announced the launch of its Wright Electric Aircraft Engine Test Cell (WEAETC). The WEAETC is designed to characterize the performance of megawatt-class electric aircraft propulsion systems.

Wright builds power dense-electric motors and energy-dense batteries for aerospace and defense applications. For example, Wright recently tested its electric motor to over 1 megawatt and is planning for altitude testing at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT). Also, earlier this year, Wright was selected to join the ARPA-E Pioneering Railroad, Oceanic and Plane Electrification with 1K energy storage systems (PROPEL-1K) program, which aims to develop emission-free, high-energy, and high-power energy storage solutions to electrify domestic aircraft, railroads, and ships.

Achieving 1 Megawatt of shaft power is an important step in reaching Wright’s goal of making all single-aisle flights under 800 miles zero emissions. Commercial class airplanes need megawatt-sized propulsion systems for a full passenger load take off.

Through rigorous testing and analysis at the WEAETC, Wright aims to validate the thermal and dynamic stability of Wright's Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU), which is notably quieter than conventional engines. This EPU will be subsequently installed under the wing and flight tested, paving the way for advancements in electrification technologies.

WEAETC will enable testing on fan- and propeller-based propulsion systems. The testing process will unfold in two key phases. Initially, Wright will conduct ground testing utilizing their cutting-edge 2 MW Wright-1A motor. Initial tests will use the LF507-1F fan module and the C-130 propeller. Subsequently, Wright will embark on the second phase, using Wright’s new motor, the WM2500, capable of delivering up to 2.5 MW of power and equipped with an integrated custom drive; this motor has been developed under the ARPA-E ASCEND program.

Source: https://www.weflywright.com/

BOSTON -- For the first quarter of 2024, GE Aerospace reported revenue of $16.1 billion up 11 percent from $14.5 billion in the first quarter of 2023. The consolidated results include the operations of GE Vernova, which successfully separated in a spin-off after quarter-end on April 2, 2024.

"We marked a new beginning in early April with the successful spin-off of GE Vernova and launch of GE Aerospace, completing our multi-year transformation. Our teams achieved this milestone while delivering strong results in the first quarter led by significant profit and cash growth at GE Aerospace," GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. said.

"At GE Aerospace, Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies drove double-digit revenue, profit and free cash flow growth in the quarter. Given our solid start to the year and outlook for the remainder of 2024, we are raising our full-year profit and free cash flow guidance. Moving forward as a focused global aerospace leader, we will continue to prioritize safety, quality, delivery, and cost - always in that order - while also investing in our future and driving long term profitable growth."

GE Aerospace

Orders of $11.0 billion increased 34 percent compared to 8.2 billion a year ago, with strength in both Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies. Adjusted revenue of $8.1 billion (1Q23: $7.0 billion) grew 15 percent from pricing, spare parts volume and increasing deliveries in widebody and Defense.

Operating profit was $1.5 billion, up 24 percent from $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023 with both Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies delivering double-digit profit improvement. Operating profit margin of 19.1 percent expanded 140 basis points primarily driven by pricing and services volume as well as some favorability from lower equipment output.

For Commercial Engines & Services, orders of $8.3 billion increased 34 percent primarily from equipment growth, and revenue was up 16 percent with equipment growth outpacing services. In Defense & Propulsion Technologies, orders of $3.0 billion were up 34 percent with a Defense book-to-bill of 1.1x and revenue increased 18 percent, driven by growth in deliveries, pricing and classified program

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/sites/default/files/geaerospace_webcast_pressrelease_04232024.pdf

LETHBRIDGE, Alberta -- Pratt & Whitney Canada announced that the 500th PT6 E-Series engine has rolled off the production line at the company’s PT6 Engine center of excellence located in Lethbridge, Alberta. Powering the Daher TBM 960 and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX, the PT6 E-Series family has flown more than 200,000 hours since entry into service in 2019. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

The PT6E-67XP powers the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and the PT6E-66XT powers Daher’s TBM 960.

The PT6 family of engines has been the go-to powerplant for general aviation and helicopters for more than six decades. Today's PT6 engine is up to four times more powerful, has a 50% improved power-to-weight ratio, and up to 20% better specific fuel consumption compared to the original engine.

Since the PT6 engine was introduced in 1963, this engine family has been used to power more than 155 different aircraft models and has flown more than 500 million hours.

Source: https://innovation.prattwhitney.com/