Airbus, capable of flying up to 8,700 kilometers, has received new engines
United Airlines has received its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft equipped with the new GTF Advantage engines. According to the manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, the new engine provides 4 to 8 percent more takeoff thrust compared to the current GTF version, while the operating time between overhauls can increase by up to two times.
Airbus, capable of flying up to 8,700 kilometers, has received new engines
According to Naked Science, Pratt & Whitney, a member of RTX, has announced that the GTF Advantage turbofan engine has been commissioned. The introduction of the new version is expected to increase the efficiency of the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft.
The Airbus A321XLR is a narrow-body long-range airliner capable of covering distances up to 8,700 kilometers. It was developed to operate flights on routes that were previously difficult to serve with this type of aircraft.
According to RTX, the GTF Advantage will serve to increase the reliability of the A321XLR, boost thrust, and expand the capability to perform even longer-range flights. However, no specific figure was provided on how much the flight range would increase with the new engine.
Service life before overhaul has been extended
One of the main features of the new engine is its increased durability. The manufacturer claims that its service life before maintenance can be up to twice as long compared to the current version.
Additionally, the high-temperature operating parts of the GTF Advantage have been improved. The company describes it as the most advanced "hot section" among narrow-body aircraft engines.
Despite the design changes, the GTF Advantage maintains compatibility with the existing GTF version. This could ease operations for airlines that use aircraft equipped with both types of engines.