It seems unlikely that new engine architectures such as the geared turbofan or the open rotor will make it to business aviation in the near or even mid term. According to engine manufacturers, these concepts are not suited to the needs of business aircraft, which require a lot of thrust during almost the entire flight. In previous decades the direct-drive turbofan gained popularity over the geared turbofan and the open-rotor concepts, but the fuel burn advantage the latter offer has prompted renewed interest recently. Separately, biofuels will probably find their way on board business aircraft.
According to Andrew Tanner, v-p for business and regional aviation at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a geared turbofan is good for takeoff thrust but not as strong for the high cruise speeds business jets must provide. The manufacturer is developing a geared turbofan for two regional jets–the Mitsubishi MRJ and the Bombardier C Series–and claims the engines will provide major improvements in noise and fuel burn.
More In Engines
