New Jet Engine Cuts Fuel Consumption

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Pratt & Whitney has created a jet engine that uses less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide and nitrogen-oxide at a time when rising jet fuel prices are crippling the aviation industry.

The engine, now 20 years in the making, is scheduled for jets under development by Mitsubishi and Bombardier, and should operate in regular service by 2013, Wired reported.

According to the publication, the geared turbofan boasts a gearbox that allows the fan and turbine to spin independently. Fans perform better at low speed. The engine fan spins at about a third the speed of the turbine, resulting in an engine that needs less fuel and costs about a third less to maintain.

"For the next generation of single-aisle aircraft, there's no question that engine performance will be key," Alan Epstein, Pratt & Whitney's vice president of technology and environment, told Wired. "Both economically and environmentally, this engine will deliver significant benefits."

More efficient aircraft is on the mind of an industry that thas in recent weeks seen airlines impose baggage fees and slimmer service routes. Earier this month, several airlines, including Southwest, sought Pratt & Whitney's EcoPower engine wash service to reduce debris and drive fuel efficiency. Southwest expects the wash service will save it $20 million in fuel costs annually.

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