Pratt & Whitney launches GTF engine upgrade
Pratt & Whitney has launched the Hot Section Plus (HS+), an upgrade for the GTF engine that powers Airbus’ A320neo jets that can extend wing time by nearly double.
The HS+ improvements are derived from the recently FAA-certified GTF Advantage turbofan and involve the engine’s hot section.
According to the company, the upgrade affects only 35 parts and can be incorporated during maintenance services. The option will be available to customers starting in 2026.
“HS+ brings the durability improvements of the GTF Advantage hot section to today’s GTF engine,” said Nick Tomassetti, vice president, Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney. “Customers operating the current GTF engine model will have the opportunity to nearly double time on wing.”
GTF engines with HS+ will also be interchangeable with current GTF and GTF Advantage engines, simplifying operations with a combined fleet.
The GTF Advantage features the most state-of-the-art hot section in the single-aisle market. In the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the enhancements include an advanced airfoil design with improved coatings. The HPT and combustor also feature optimized cooling hole size, shape and location, with improved hole drilling techniques to reduce oxidation,” Pratt & Whitney explained.
The GTF geared turbofan has offered significant fuel savings compared to the IAE V2500, which powers the A320ceo, among other aircraft, but design issues have put the engine in serious question.
PW has developed solutions to repair the units, but the overhaul work has taken years and left many of the aircraft that use the engine on the ground.
In addition to the A320neo family, the GTF is the only engine on the A220 and Embraer E2.
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