EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IAE International Aero Engines AG has achieved Federal Aviation Administration certification of the V2500^®-E5 engine for Embraer's KC-390 aircraft. The KC-390's launch customer is the Brazilian Air Force.

"Achieving engine certification on schedule is a big win for the program," said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. "We have a high level of confidence that the engine will perform as reliably as its in-service counterpart has done, and we look forward to a successful first flight."

"Reaching certification is further proof of the steadfast reliability of our V2500 engines and our development team's ability to enhance this technology," said Dave Brantner, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. "Our entire team looks forward to supporting Embraer's goals for the KC-390 program."

The V2500-E5 engine, rated at 31,330 pounds of thrust, was selected in July 2011 by Embraer Defense & Security and the Brazilian Air Force, which established the KC-390 requirements. While Embraer and its customers desire maximum commonality with the V2500 engine, changes have been made to optimize installation with the new airframe. 

The overall IAE program provides a fully integrated propulsion system, including the V2500-E5 engine and nacelle with engine build-up and nacelle installations supported by UTC Aerospace Systems' Aerostructures business.  The system will be delivered to Embraer's customer, the Brazilian Air Force, supporting a scheduled 2016 entry into service.

Throughout its 45-year history, Embraer has been involved in all aspects of aviation. In addition to design, development, manufacturing, sales and technical support for commercial, agricultural and executive aviation, Embraer also offers integrated solutions for defense and security. It has produced more than 5,000 aircraft that operate in 80 countries on five continents, and it is the market leader for commercial jets with up to 120 seats. Embraer currently manufactures executive jets, and is now entering a new level in the defense segment.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines. To date, more than 6,000 V2500 engines have been delivered to close to 200 customers around the world.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans and availability of funding, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the companies' Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

IAE International Aero Engines AG: www.i-a-e.com
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Sara Banda
Pratt & Whitney
+1-860-565-4031
sara.banda@pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney