Flight International online news 10:00GMT: Engine Alliance, a joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney, has delivered the first of its new GP7200 Airbus A380 powerplants to the European manufacturer.
Airbus will begin to install nacelle and aircraft system components from October, in preparation for the upcoming A380/GP7200 flight test programme.
The GP7200, which is competing with Rolls-Royce’s Trent 900, has won 58% of A380 engine selections announced to date, according the engine’s manufacturer. It will be initially certified to deliver 75,600lb (340kN) of thrust but has a potential capability of more than 80,000lbs.
That certification, which is planned for next month, is “progressing well”, says Engine Alliance. Tests, which are being conducted at GE and Pratt & Whitney facilities, have just passed the 5,000-cycle milestone.
VICTORIA MOORES/LONDON
Source: Flight International
