Russia's Irkut Corporation has selected the Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1000G engine to power the Irkut MC-21 aircraft.  The selection represents the third airframe application win for the PurePower engine, which provides customers a significant reduction in fuel burn and noise with lower environmental emissions and operating costs than today's engines.  Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The Irkut MC-21 is a family of 150 to 210 passenger aircraft with first flight planned for 2014 and entry into service in 2016. 

"We are very proud that the Pratt & Whitney PurePower engine was selected for the Irkut MC-21 aircraft," said David Hess, president, Pratt & Whitney.  "The PurePower engine is the only flight tested and proven engine on the market that offers validated step-change improvements in fuel burn, environmental performance and operating costs. We believe the PurePower engine with its Geared Turbofan technology offers the best benefits possible to Irkut's potential customers and provides a decisive advantage in making the aircraft competitive in the global marketplace."

The MC-21 program will allow Pratt & Whitney an opportunity to extend its PW1000G engine models to the 30,000 pound thrust class.  In addition, Pratt & Whitney will contract with Irkut and with Russia's United Engine-Building Corporation (UEC) on the PW1000G engine for the MC-21 application.

The PurePower PW1000G engine is an all-new centerline engine that includes flight proven, next generation technology.  The PurePower PW1000G engine features an advanced gear system that allows the engine's fan to operate at a slower speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine.  The combination of the gear system and all-new advanced core delivers double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental emissions and a 50 percent reduction in noise as well as reduced maintenance costs. 

With core testing scheduled to continue through January 2010 and full engine testing planned for summer 2010, the PurePower engine program supports the Irkut MC-21 development timeline.