For use in existing aircraft, brand-new models could be built incorporating the new engine as well, Burkardt said. There are no firm commitments yet from aircraft manufacturers to use the engine, Burkardt said. The initial expectations for the two engines are very good, said Supinie, with Cessna. Sometimes with new engine development, the initial expectations are not completely met by the time the product is produced. Both engines designed under NASA's program will have a major effect on the light aircraft market, Burkardt said.
Businesses are more cost-conscious, and jets are being used more to conduct business.
In response, Honeywell developed a line of engines that, while expanding thrust, are less costly, are more affordable to operate, have fewer parts and break down less. Bombardier Aerospace is using the engine on its new Continental business jet. Now the company is developing a new generation of small turbofan engines aimed at the light and medium business jet market that will have similar qualities, Valente said.