AlliedSignal's $30 million enhancement programme for the ALF502R and LF507 engines, dubbed the XRP (extended-reliability package) has gone into top gear with the release of the first group of improvements.
Major items of the "Group 1" XRP include new number two, four and five bearing packages, new number three bearing, number one seal, fuel manifold, accessory drive (pinion) gear, air diffuser tubes and clamps, and a new bleed unit. Enhancements for the 507 alone include a new vent restrictor and an improved T2 nozzle.
The improvements are part of AlliedSignal's goal to "-have engine reliability for the whole fleet [late-build British Aerospace BAe 146s and Avro RJs] at 99.95%," says regional-airline turbofan programmes director, Jon Beatty. The improvements in the XRP were incorporated into production engines from March, but are now starting to be sent out as a package to current operators at no charge in the case of "power by the hour" customers. To encourage airlines to take advantage of the XRP, the engine maker has designed an XRP warranty providing 6,000 cycles, pro rata engine-repair coverage.
AlliedSignal is also taking new steps to address support of the older 146s which are returning to service in large numbers after prolonged storage.
Source: Flight International
