Tue, Mar 15, 2011
FAA Certified Several Modifications For Re-Engining
Project
The first reconfigured JT8D-219 engine in the U.S. Air Force's
re-engined E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Radar System (Joint
STARS) aircraft program will be delivered by Pratt & Whitney to
Northrop Grumman later this month. "This delivery is yet another
notable milestone in the long history of the JT8D engine," said Bev
Deachin, vice president, Military Programs and Customer Support,
Pratt & Whitney. "The JT8D-219 engine will enable a re-engined
Joint STARS aircraft to operate with more thrust, while consuming
less fuel, compared to the TF33 engines originally installed. This
gives the Joint STARS aircraft higher operational altitude and
longer mission duration, while significantly reducing the
maintenance burden of the older engines. It's a win-win proposition
for our U.S. Air Force customer."
Among the engine's configuration modifications are: a nickel
high-pressure compressor rotor system that provides enhanced
corrosion resistance, external changes to accommodate mounting the
engine under the aircraft's wing, an enhanced bleed override
system, and higher load-carrying towershaft and gearbox elements to
accommodate increased power extraction.
If the U.S. Air Force chooses to retrofit its entire Joint STARS
fleet, production quantities could be in excess of 80 engines. The
JT8D-219 engine is assembled and tested in Pratt & Whitney's
Middletown, Conn., facility.
Joint STARS Aircraft File Photo
The current commercial JT8D-219 engine with external
modifications has been certified to support B707 re-engining via
the Supplemental Type Certificate approved by the FAA for Pratt
& Whitney's Joint Venture partner, Seven Q Seven. Seven Q Seven
is a San Antonio, Texas-based company that converts and upgrades
aircraft, primarily Boeing 707s, for commercial and military
support applications. The E-8C is a modified B707-300.
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