United Technologies Corp. today launched the company's first-ever, all-digital innovation showcase at the Farnborough International Airshow. The showcase, entitled "Innovating an Extraordinary Future," uses immersive video, digital touch-screen technology and augmented reality with 3D-printed models, to enable visitors to learn about more than 50 product and service offerings in a multi-sensory experience.

As part of the show, United Technologies' two leading aerospace companies, Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems, expect to make more than 25 announcements that span product and system contract orders, customer adoption of innovative intelligence platforms, expansion of MRO capabilities, and R&D investments in autonomous flight technology and a new aerospace intelligence lab.

While at the show, United Technologies' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gregory J. Hayes, shared his thoughts about four key trends influencing the future of aerospace. "Digital technologies, data intelligence, advanced manufacturing techniques and more electric technologies for aircraft systems and propulsion are redefining the aerospace industry," said Hayes. "We are witnessing an unprecedented level of innovation happening at a pace and scale that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The aerospace companies that will be most successful are those that can provide customers with smart, intelligent systems that optimize performance, enable predictability and reliability, and improve cost efficiency."

"Innovating an Extraordinary Future" All-Digital Showcase

Visitors to United Technologies' chalet and innovation showcase will be greeted by a floor-to-ceiling video wall projecting inspirational images of aerospace technology in action. They can learn more about specific products and systems offered by Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems by simply touching one of six, interactive multi-media pillars. These free-standing, digital learning hubs provide detailed information, videos, and 360-degree models of UTC's latest aerospace offerings, including jet engines, military ejection seats and more.

Enthusiasts who want to drill down into an aircraft's inner systems can participate in a UTC augmented reality experience. Participants are given specially-loaded iPads and encouraged to use the device as a viewer as they walk around 3D-printed aircraft models. Touching on a series of designated "hot spots" located on the aircraft will then transport the viewer into the inner workings of the plane's systems. UTC designed the experience to emphasize the increasingly digitally-connected systems that are redefining the aerospace industry today.

New Contract Wins Reflect the Future of Aerospace

Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems announced a series of contract wins, R&D investments and service expansions prior to and at the show. The announcements reflect increased customer demand for products and services that leverage new technologies to improve operational performance and efficiency for their fleets. Below are a few highlights:

2018 News Highlights from Pratt & Whitney

- Increased GTF Adoption: More than 400 Pratt & Whitney GTF engine selections were announced in the first half of 2018, including JetBlue's announcement last week for 60 A220-300 aircraft. Other milestones included the entry into service of Embraer's E2 jet, with launch customer Wideroe, and six airlines celebrated the very first A320neo family aircraft delivery.

- Expansion of FAST™ for Predictive Analytics: Pratt & Whitney continues to expand the availability of its FAST™ solution for predictive and preventive maintenance on a growing number of aircraft platforms for hundreds of customers in general aviation, business jets, helicopters and regional airlines. The FAST solution provides near-real-time, high-density, full-flight data after each mission for more than 2,000 Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. The company has also begun introduction of its revolutionary new Oil Analysis Technology under its Digital Engine Services suite. This innovative technology provides high visibility into the health and operation of the engine without intrusive inspections.

- New Data Capture Offering: On the military side, Pratt & Whitney announced the launch of Digital Depot. This multi-year initiative seeks to capture detailed data from engine shop visits to drive cost-optimized maintenance work scope, feed accurate forecasts for parts availability, and inform future design improvements for even greater reliability and time on wing. Digital Depot is projected to reduce turnaround time by 30 percent, which can result in lower cost, less inventory and fewer spare engines.

"Pratt & Whitney has invested in digital tools that help design, produce and maintain our full range of engines from general aviation, to the world's only fifth generation fighter jet engine and Geared Turbofan for commercial aviation," said Pratt & Whitney President, Robert F. Leduc. "Digital will be a key investment area for us going forward, as we continue the Pratt & Whitney heritage of redefining engine technology through innovations that deliver real customer value."

UTC Aerospace Systems Announcements Reinforce the Power of Data (Show-related announcements)

- Rapid Deployment of InteliSight Platform: UTC Aerospace Systems announced a compact form of its InteliSight platform, which seamlessly accesses and transmits valuable aircraft data. The new form factor reduces the installation time of the Aircraft Interface Device (AID) and Tablet Interface Management (TIM®) by 90 percent, enabling operators to rapidly connect their entire fleet to the airline's network and begin receiving valuable data feeds within days vs. months.

- Predictive Analytics for Aircraft Maintenance: All Nippon Airways (ANA) has selected to pilot UTC Aerospace Systems' Ascentia platform, a prognostics and health management solution launched earlier this year, which builds on the InteliSight platform by converting data streams into predictive analytics. Through the provision of near real-time analysis of full-flight data, ANA will be able to receive proactive maintenance recommendations that reduce unscheduled maintenance and service interruptions, and optimize shop visits for its fleet of 63 Boeing 787s.

- New Innovation Lab for Intelligent and Connected Aircraft: UTC Aerospace Systems announced the opening of a new Intelligent Aircraft Technologies Lab based in Rockford, Illinois. The lab will accelerate the development of more intelligent and connected aircraft systems, and will initially focus on the implementation of health monitoring solutions for generators, air compressors, fans and motor controllers.

- Autonomous Flight Support: UTC Aerospace Systems is making a multi-million dollar investment in the development of a next-gen vehicle management computer (VMC). It will enable fly-by-wire technology and autonomous flight for new and retrofit applications in civil and military aircraft. The VMC will feature triple multi-core processors, high-speed communications and open architecture for use in high-redundancy flight critical applications. The company expects to announce its first customer within a year and begin deliveries in 2022.

"Data will underpin and be the transformative force of advancements in intelligent aerospace," said Dave Gitlin, President of UTC Aerospace Systems. "From the application of analytics for proactive fleet monitoring and enhanced maintenance support to furthering the path of autonomous flight, actionable data is the way toward intelligent flight for our customers."

Contributed by United Technologies