Europrop International’s (EPI) first prototype TP400-D6 turboprop engine for the Airbus Military A400M transport is expected to complete an initial series of ground tests at a Snecma open-air facility at Istres in southern France within the next few weeks.
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| The TP400 will reach full power in the next few weeks |
The A400M’s full propulsion system underwent its first official test run on 28 February, including its 5.3m (17.4ft)-diameter Ratier-Figeac eight-bladed propeller, Avio gearbox and control system, the latter managing operation of the core engine, propeller and nacelle equipment. The test involved the powerplant operating through feathered and flight idle conditions at an output of 1,000shp (745kW) and 1,600shp, respectively, reaching around 15% of the TP400’s full capacity of 11,000shp. This performance will be built on by gradually increasing its output to 10,600shp.
Formed by TP400 partners ITP, MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma, EPI is in discussion with the A400M programme’s European partner nations over the future provision of engine support services – potentially on a “power-by-the-hour” basis. “We are bringing support concepts to the customers based on our wide civil experience,” says EPI managing director José Massol. Talks are expected to conclude within the next year, he says. Europe’s OCCAR procurement agency will oversee an initial 10-year support package, to come into effect following the first aircraft delivery – to the French air force in October 2009.
Further tests of the three-shaft TP400 this year will include simulated altitude tests of the core engine and bird ingestion testing. One prototype will begin an estimated 200h flight-test programme in 2007, mounted on a Lockheed Martin C-130 being modified by the UK’s Marshall Aerospace.
CRAIG HOYLE / ISTRES
Source: Flight International
