UTC Shows Off New Engine Compressor Facility

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - United Technologies Corporation, Tuesday, unveiled the new $40 million jet engine compressor facility at its research center in East Hartford.The closed-loop system allows engineers and researchers to adjust test conditions, such as air temperature, pressure, and humidity, to simulate flying at different locations and altitudes, to provide unmatched data quality and bring jet engines to market faster and more efficiently, according to officials.To start, officials say the facility will be used exclusively by Pratt and Whitney to test compressors for military and commercial engines. In the future, other companies may be given access to the facility, depending on availability.The facility was created with over 900 cubic yards of concrete. The concrete base for the testing equipment measures seven feet deep and the facility is acoustically treated to prevent high sound levels from disturbing surrounding areas.