AlliedSignal Engines revealed earlier this year that it is studying the economic feasibility of regional jets with fewer than 50 seats. The company hopes that its LF507, the AS309 derivative, or a new-centre-line engine, could potentially find applications in this sector of the market.
Meanwhile, AlliedSignal is involved in the development of the Antonov An-38 26-passenger twin turboprop, a re-engined An-28. The Russian Interstate Registry's Aviation Committee recently approved the company's TPE331-14GR/HR turboprop for use on the An-38, clearing the way for certification in early 1997. The flight test programme should be completed by the end of the year.
The TFE731-60-powered Dassault Aviation Falcon 900EX long-range business jet was certificated in June. Earlier this year the company revealed it was studying a range of upgrades for its existing TFE731s, following the success of a TFE731-3C upgrade for the Cessna Citation III and IV.
AlliedSignal has also announced a major programme to improve the reliability and cut the operating cost of the LT101 turbo-shaft, which powers Eurocopter BK117 and Aerospatiale HH-65 Dolphin helicopters.
Source: Flight International
