Pratt and Whitney Aircraft JT8D turbofan engine. performance improvement to offset rising fuel costs

A Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group program begun in 1978 has led to the development of retrofit kit packages and major engine modifications that will provide thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) reductions of 2.1% for the JT8D-1 and -7 engines, 3.0% for the JT8D-9 engine, and 5.5% for the JT8D-15, -17, and -17R engines under cruise conditions, and comparable fuel savings under other conditions. The modifications being made will affect the fan, compressor, and turbine sections of the engines to improve component efficiency. The retrofit kits will be used on existing in-service engines; other modifications will be introduced in service during 1981 and 1982. Fuel savings per engine per year could range from 27,000 to 91,000 gal, and fleet savings could amount to several hundred million gallons per year.