Pratt & Whitney to open new ceramic matrix composites facility

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation, has announced it will open a new ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) R&D facility in California.

With the addition of this dedicated 60,000ft² R&D facility, the company will add dozens of employees focused on the design, development and production of CMCs for aerospace applications.

Compared to traditional materials in the hot section of a jet engine, CMCs are known to be lighter and have higher temperature capability, which can enable improved thermal efficiency for gas turbine engines.

CMCs will enhance Pratt & Whitney's next-generation commercial and military engines to deliver benefits that include increased range, increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

"Pratt & Whitney views CMCs as an enabling technology," said Meggan Harris, senior director, CMCs, Pratt & Whitney. "This material will allow us to offer key capabilities for both our commercial and military customers, as their needs for ever-better fuel efficiency over longer flight times continue to evolve."

"We're excited to establish a dedicated team of engineers and technicians working on the next generation of this potentially disruptive technology in a collaborative space," said Andy Lazur, general manager of the Pratt & Whitney Carlsbad facility. "This new facility is a testament to Pratt & Whitney's commitment to innovation. This novel material technology enables us to provide dependable engines with enhanced performance to our customers."

www.pw.utc.com