Airbus is expected to reveal plans to revitalise the A340-300 with a newly configured, hybrid version of the CFM International CFM56-5C4. The new engine promises to reduce the four-engined airliner's fuel consumption and maintenance costs, boosting the 295-seat A340 model's competitiveness against the rival Boeing 777-200.
Airbus and CFMI have been considering the move since late last year and have reached a firm agreement to develop the engine for the upgraded aircraft, which will be dubbed the A340-300 Enhanced.
The hybrid engine will combine the low-pressure spool of the A340's -5C4 with the advanced compressor and high-pressure turbine of the CFM56-5B/P powering the A320 family.
If the programme is launched with firm orders this year, CFMI is expected to take the first engine to test by late 2001, with aircraft certification and entry into service by 2003. The plan also includes offering the kit as an upgrade for retrofit.
The hybrid CFM56-5C4 is expected to offer a 1% improvement in specific fuel consumption compared to the current version, as well as a 10°C improvement in exhaust gas temperature margin (EGT). CFMI has admitted that the A340 would benefit from increased EGT margin, which could see reduced maintenance costs of up to 10% if the proposed modifications are made. These include the addition of a new stage one low-pressure turbine nozzle to the existing turbine module.
Although Airbus is developing the larger and longer-range A340-500/600 models powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 500, the company has pledged to continue developing the -300 model.
There are 180 CFM56-powered A340s in service, 25 CFM56-powered A340s were ordered in 1999 and a further 11 have been ordered so far this year.
By contrast, orders for the A340-500/600 have grown to 129.
Source: Flight International
