Pratt & Whitney and Aviation Fleet Solutions Noise Reduction System for JT8D-200 Powered MD-80 Receives FAA Certification


EAST HARTFORD, Conn., March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX), together with Aviation Fleet Solutions (AFS), received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification on the QuietEagle, the noise reduction system for JT8D-200-powered MD-80 aircraft. The system meets all the requirements of FAR Part 36 Stage 4 and International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Annex 16 Chapter 4 noise standards, which became effective Jan. 1, 2006.

Pratt & Whitney designed the QuietEagle noise reduction system and AFS obtained the FAA certification. Hardware will be available in the second quarter of 2006.

"The QuietEagle system reduces cumulative noise by up to six dB," said Kimberley Sullivan, JT8D program manager with Pratt & Whitney. "As more and more European Union countries and airports implement more stringent noise restrictions that result in landing charges for the MD-80, we have a solution."

The system includes an improved front fan containment case, a 16-lobe mixer, a muffler, and a tabbed nozzle. Installation typically can be completed on-wing in 160 man-hours.

"The QuietEagle package will extend the useful life of the JT8D-200 fleet while maintaining thrust and performance levels," Sullivan said. "It is another example of Pratt & Whitney's initiatives to extend the life of existing products through technology insertion."

The JT8D has been one of the most successful commercial engine programs in aviation history. More than 14,000 JT8D engines were sold, with over 8,000 engines in service today, of which more than 2,100 are actively powering MD-80 aircraft.

Aviation Fleet Solutions is a Renton, Wash., company focused on the development of aftermarket improvements and modifications for commercial aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company (NYSE:UTX), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

Contact:
Robin Salisbury
Phone: (860) 565-8220

Source: Pratt & Whitney

CONTACT: Robin Salisbury of Pratt & Whitney, +1-860-565-8220

Web site: http://www.pratt-whitney.com/

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