60,000 square-foot facility is CMC ‘Center of Excellence’ for aviation leader
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., July 13, 2021 – Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX) announced today the opening of a ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) engineering & development facility in Carlsbad, California.
The new 60,000 square-foot facility is an integrated engineering, development and low-rate production facility solely dedicated to CMCs for aerospace applications.
“Pratt & Whitney has been leading the industry with the world’s quietest, greenest, most efficient and highest performance engines in the world. We’ve achieved this by pioneering new materials, aerodynamics and engine architectures,” said Frank Preli, vice president of Propulsion & Materials Technology at Pratt & Whitney. “Some of our best and brightest minds are innovating within this facility and they will ensure that we continue to operate on the cutting edge of aviation technology for decades to come.”
Ceramic matrix composites are a class of material made of ceramic fibers embedded within a ceramic matrix. CMC materials are lightweight and can be used to manufacture engine parts that are one-third the weight of traditional metallic parts. The temperature capability of CMC parts is several hundred degrees higher than state-of-the-art superalloy parts. This translates into a significant improvement in fuel efficiency as well as weight savings, with the added benefit of reduced emissions and carbon footprint.
“Our revolutionary Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines already deliver up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency, 50 percent lower regulated emissions and a 75 percent reduction in noise footprint for our customers. CMC parts will allow us to do even more, by building upon the industry-leading benefits in efficiency and sustainability that the GTF engine already delivers.” said Preli.
Pratt & Whitney has a long history of innovation and engineering excellence, starting with the world’s first air-cooled Wasp engine in 1925.
“We are excited to bring our legacy of innovation and more than 60 new jobs to southern California,” added Preli.
Hiring for various engineering, management, and technician roles is ongoing. Experienced jobseekers who want to become part of a diverse team conducting groundbreaking research to advance propulsion technology are encouraged to apply. Open positions can be viewed on the facility’s LinkedIn page or at RTX Careers.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX) is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit its www.prattwhitney.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.
For further information: media@prattwhitney.com, +1 860 565 9600
Source: Pratt & Whitney