Selection of a powerplant for the Airbus Military A400M airlifter has slipped again. The latest date for a decision was the end of last month, but has slipped to this week at the earliest. Airbus president and chief executive Noel Forgeard is due to choose between a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800-based turboprop and an engine from the Europrop International (EPI) consortium which comprises ITP,MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma. Forgeard was quoted in press reports last week as stating a preference for the P&WC bid. "As of today, Pratt &Whitney is the winner without doubt," he said. "A much lower offer [from EPI] could make us change our minds." Selecting a non-European engine could have political implications, with German Bundestag members stating they would not support funding the aircraft if P&WC is successful.
Source: Flight International
