ENGINE SELECTION for the improved version of Alenia's G222 turboprop transport, dubbed the C-27J, is to be decided by the middle of June, according to Allison Engine.
Italy is expected to commit to buying 18 four-engined Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transports before the Paris air show in June, opening the way for Alenia and Lockheed Martin to give the go-ahead for joint development of the two-engined C-27J.
There will be substantial commonality between the two aircraft, including the digital cockpit, but the C-27J's engine choice is still open. Allison, with its AE2100D2, which powers the C-130J, is competing against Pratt & Whitney Canada, with its new PW150, selected for the recently launched de Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 70-seat regional aircraft. The chosen engine will drive a Dowty six-bladed composite propeller.
Allison says that the engine contest is between a proven engine and a new powerplant. It also believes that the drive for maximum commonality between the improved Hercules and the updated G222 favours the AE2100D2. "We are cautiously optimistic about an engine win," the company says.
Mickey Blackwell, president of Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics sector, says that the company has been surprised by the level of interest generated by the C-27J.
Lockheed Martin and Alenia, which have signed a joint-venture agreement to develop and market the advanced tactical airlifter, believe that there is a market for up to 120 over the next ten years.
John McLellan, Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems president, says: "There is a tremendous worldwide market for a technically advanced medium tactical airlifter, and the C-27J is an outstanding solution." Australia and Brazil are among potential customers.
Three P&WC PW150s are involved in the de Havilland Dash 8-400 test programme. Flight tests began in January of the engine/ propeller combination, mounted on the nose of P&WC's Boeing 720B testbed. The engine has been downrated to 3,780kW (5,100shp) for the Dash 8-400 application.
Source: Flight International
