Strange 747/Pratt & Whitney project

On Jan 17, 11:02*am, Ricky wrote:
On Jan 16, 12:23*pm, Tech Support wrote:



Ricky
A couple of WAGs.
1. Use PT-6 turbo prop to help take offs with max gross, hot day and
high altitude field.
2. Make normal 4 engine take off and at cruise altitude start PT-6
turbo prop and shut two engines down. This config would save a lot of
fuel and help bottom line.
3. New version of PT-6 and 747 airframe used as test bed. Qualify
another (bigger) engine for UAV use to carry heavier load.
4.Testing at high altitude for possible use on UAV .
Do you know the project or just fishing for possibilities )
Big John
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On Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:22:29 -0800 (PST), Ricky
wrote:
We are installing a PT-6 on the top or on the nose of a 747! Can't
tell you where or what company.
Can you figure out why we would be doing such a thing?
Doesn't a 747 go much faster than anything running a PT-6?
We really don't know why this project is happening so I would
appreciate hearing your guesses.
Thanks,
Ricky- Hide quoted text -

The testbed sounds plausible since this 747 is being fitted with a
new, uncertified Pratt turbine engine for testing.

I do know the project as last night I was doing layout on one of the
doublers that wrap practically all the way around the plane aft of the
cockpit.

Ricky

But why would they use a airplane the size of a 747 to test a PT6?
Even a big PT6's power is tiny compared to the 747's thrust.

Dan

On Jan 17, 3:20*pm, wrote:

*But why would they use a airplane the size of a 747 to test a PT6?
Even a big PT6's power is tiny compared to the 747's thrust.

You know, Dan, that's exactly why I posted this. Although I'm working
on the mod, the company I work for is hush hush about the reasoning
behind what they are doing.
I do know that one of the 747's engines will be replaced with another
engine for testing & possible certification. I also know this short-
body 747 is a bone yard rescue, very old (I was sitting in the pilot's
seat during a break & everything is ancient up there), and will have
several projects/modifications hanging onto it at various times.

We also know that somewhere, either on the nose or directly above/
aside the lounge, there will be a PT-6 mounted. I do know that larger
versions of the PT-6 (PT-6C) produce 1600-2300 shaft horse power but
why a 747 mount is beyond my ability to comprehend.
My thinking is that the speed of a 747 is so much faster than anything
running a PT-6 that this project sounds unreasonable.
There's gotta be a good reason otherwise Pratt wouldn't be spending
the millions on the project they are. & I will fish around at work
until I find out. Hopefully I can get a picture or two with the thing
on the nose. Won't THAT look interesting?!

It'll be kinda like the photo I have of a Beech Baron my dad worked on
developing that had a third engine mounted on the nose.

Ricky