Pratt & Whitney to open ceramic matrix composites facility

A rendering of Pratt & Whitney’s new ceramic matrix composites (CMC) research and development facility in Carlsbad, Calif., U.S.

Pratt & Whitney (East Hartford, Conn., U.S.), a global leader in commercial and military jet engines and a division of United Technologies Corp., has announced it will open a new ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) research & development (R&D) facility in Carlsbad, Calif., U.S.

With the addition of the 60,000-square-foot R&D facility, Pratt & Whitney says it will add dozens of employees focused on the design, development and production of CMCs for aerospace applications. According to the company, CMCs are lighter and have higher temperature capabilities than traditional materials used in jet engines, so they can provide improved thermal efficiency for gas turbine engines. The company says CMCs will enhance its commercial and military engines, delivering benefits that include increased range, increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

“Pratt & Whitney views CMCs as an enabling technology,” says 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,” says 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.”（ 来源：Pratt & Whitney）