Delta TechOps Adds Facilities, Capabilities for Next-Gen Engines
April 04, 2019
World's Largest Test Cell
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
Delta TechOps invested $100 million in this test cell that has capability for a 150,000-lb.-thrust engine.
Ribbon Cutting
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
The new Delta test cell facility officially opened Feb. 21. Cutting the ribbon (left to right) are Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian; Mike Moore, senior VP maintenance operations; Don Mitacek, TechOps senior VP; and U.S. Senator David Perdue.
Control Room
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
Inside the control room, Delta staff prepares to run the Trent XWB.
New Engine Shop
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
In addition to the new test cell, Delta invested in this 127,000 ft.2 engine shop, which will accommodate the Rolls-Royce XWBs and Trent 7000s that power the airline’s fleet of Airbus A350s and A330-900neos.
GTF Engine Shop
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
As it transitions to servicing new engines, such as the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) and the new Rolls-Royce engines, Delta TechOps is investing in new tooling and machinery. Here is the PW1000 GTF engine shop.
PW1500G
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
Here is a Pratt & Whitney PW1500G, which powers Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A220s…
Trent 7000
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
...As well as a Rolls-Royce Trent 7000.
LLP Center of Excellence
Credit: Lee Ann Shay
Delta TechOps strives to become a life limited part (LLP) center of excellence for engines in early 2020.
Hot-Section Repairs
Credit: Lee Ann Shay
Delta TechOps also is investing in in-house hot-section repairs, starting with the Pratt & Whitney PW2000.
Trent XWB
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
Here is a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, which powers the Airbus A350s and delivers 75,000-97,000-lb. thrust.
Condensation
Credit: Lee Ann Shay/Aviation Week
After turning on the pneumatic starter, the air discharged comes out as condensation, which looks like steam.
Tour Delta TechOps with Aviation Week, when we visited the airline MRO's Atlanta facilities during the opening of its new 150,000-lb.-thrust engine test cell.