The AlliedSignal TFE731-20 turbofan, the third and last model to be developed in the series of new-generation business-aircraft powerplants, has received US Federal Aviation Administration certification.
The engine powers Bombardier's Lear 45 and is rated with a take-off thrust of 16kN (3,650lb) at sea level up to 34 degrees C. Cruise-thrust performance is increased by 15% and fuel consumption cut by 9% relative to its predecessor, the TFE731-2. Most of the improvements are caused by a 33% increase in pressure ratio in the high-pressure compressor, and a 16% increase in fan flow and related boost in bypass ratio, driven by the use of the scaled 731-5 fan design.
Some 202 engines in the new TFE731-20/40/60 series have been delivered, and another 130 are due to be built by the end of 1997. The first to be certificated was the -60 version for the Dassault Falcon 900EX, followed by the -40 for the IAI Astra SPX and Falcon 50EX.
The engine will enter service with maintenance intervals of 2,500h for major periodic inspections and 5,000h for compressor zone inspections.
Source: Flight International
