Engines
Second-generation GTF is already on Pratt’s radar
The downturn in demand in some of its markets has not dented the ardor of engine maker Pratt & Whitney for developing new technology.

The downturn in demand in some of its markets has not dented the ardor of engine maker Pratt & Whitney for developing new technology. “We have to be ready for the upturn,” said the U.S. company’s new president, David Hess. “We have to keep people focused on the great future of Pratt & Whitney, positioning ourselves for a strong recovery.”

Hess conceded that the first quarter of this year has been “rough” and said he has to be “very careful” with how research-and-development money is spent. But he indicated that work on preparing a second-generation of Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engines is a priority and that talks are under way with airframers about prospective applications for them.