NEWTOWN, Conn. - Pratt & Whitney's PW4000 series is available on widebody twins from Boeing and Airbus. The legacy 767 is being replaced by the 787, but still remains in production at low rates. GE's CF6-80C2 powers the majority of forecast 767-300 aircraft, and the freighter variant has the GE engine exclusively. With the decision made by the U.S. Air Force to select the KC-767 for its aerial tanker competition, not only did the 767 line get resuscitated, but Pratt's PW4000 series got a major shot in the arm. Boeing had selected the 62,000lbst PW4062 for its tanker entry, and the initial contract will account for 358 engines and an unknown number of spares. Subsequent to the KC-X will be KC-Y and KC-Z to complete the recapitalization of the USAF tanker fleet.
The PW4000 is available on the 777, but along with the Rolls-Royce Trent 800 it is outshined by the GE90 engine which is exclusive to themost popular 777-200LR and 777-300ER models. Outside of any military engine business, the PW4000's brightest spot is on the Airbus A330, where it slots in production-wise between the Trent 700 and CF6-80E. The Pratt is one of two engines offered on the A330 freighter, which will continue in production for an undetermined time after the service entry of the A350XWB.
Source: Forecast International
