First QuietEagle(TM) Noise Reduction System Installed on VIP MD-80 Series Aircraft
PARIS, June 18 /-- PARIS AIR SHOW -- The first QuietEagle(TM) noise reduction system has been installed on Siviera Invest Ltd's VIP MD-87 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 engines. The QuietEagle system reduces engine noise allowing the MD-80 to comply with all international noise standards, including FAR Part 36 Stage 4 and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 16 Chapter 4. The QuietEagle system was developed by Pratt & Whitney and exclusively licensed to Aviation Fleet Solutions (AFS) who installed the system for Siviera Invest Ltd. Pratt & Whitney is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
"We feel very strongly that the QuietEagle system is the right solution for our MD-80 fleet of aircraft," said Irina Andriasova of Irval Technology who manages Siviera's VIP aircraft. "With the QuietEagle system installed we can now fly throughout Europe confident that we will comply with the most recent noise regulations for civil aircraft."
The QuietEagle upgrade kit includes a 16-lobe internal exhaust mixer, an exhaust muffler, a new tabbed nozzle and an improved front fan case. The new hardware replaces older components and is seamlessly integrated into the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 engines. Installation of the QuietEagle system is transparent to the engines, which maintain the same reliable thrust and performance levels.
"The QuietEagle system reduces cumulative engine noise by up to six decibels," said Kim Sullivan, JT8D program manager for Pratt & Whitney. "The cost-effective system allows MD-80 operators to continue to fly their dependable JT8D-powered aircraft while complying with all international noise standards with margin."
Airlines can purchase the QuietEagle system separately from Aviation Fleet Solutions or as part of JT8D-200 service contracts through Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners. The QuietEagle System is available for immediate installation.
"AFS performed the installation of the QuietEagle upgrade for Siviera at their request and at their chosen location in about two days" said Bob Babbitt, AFS Operations and Customer Support vice president. "The installation was efficient, fast and flawless."
"This simple modification will significantly extend the productive life of the MD-80 fleet, particularly in Europe where operators face expensive penalties for operating noisier aircraft," said Bob Beckett, AFS Sales vice president. "It is also a tremendous hedge against potential future penalties, restrictions and phase-outs."
The JT8D has been one of the most successful commercial engine programs in aviation history. More than 14,000 JT8D engines have been sold and more than 8,000 are in service today.
Pratt & Whitney has over 17,000 aircraft engines in service with hundreds of airlines throughout the world. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney is a leading partner in two joint venture companies that manufacture commercial aircraft engines: International Aero Engines, which makes the V2500 for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, and the Engine Alliance, whose GP7200 engine is FAR 33 certified for the new Airbus A380.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
Source: Pratt & Whitney
CONTACT: Matthew Perra, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines, Int'l
Mobile: +1-860-595-6515, matthew.perra@pw.utc.com; or Jennifer Whitlow, Pratt & Whitney, Int'l Mobile: +1-860-214-7502, jennifer.whitlow@pw.utc.com
Web site: http://www.pratt-whitney.com/
