The NASA-sponsored Engine Component Improvement (ECI) Performance Improvement Program at Pratt & Whitney advanced the state-of-the-art of thermal barrier coatings and ceramic seal systems, demonstrated the practicality of an advanced turbine clearance control system and an advanced fan design in the JT9D engine, and demonstrated the advantages of modern cooling, sealing and aerodynamic designs in the high pressure turbine and compressor of the JT8D engine. Several of these improvements are already in airline service in JT8D and JT9D engines and others will enter soon in advanced models of these engines. In addition, the technology advances are being transferred to completely new engine configurations, the PW2037 and the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine (E3).
Engine component improvement program - Performance improvement
