Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
Allison Engine is proposing a new hybrid version of its AE2100 turboprop to power the planned ShinMaywa Industries US-1A Kai upgraded search-and-rescue (SAR) amphibian for the Japan Defence Agency (JDA).
The AE2100J being offered to Japan is a derivative of the AE2100A and D3 which power the Saab 2000 passenger aircraft and Lockheed Martin C-130J transport, respectively. It will incorporate design changes to allow for short take-offs and landings, and operations in high sea states, says Allison director Ron Riffel.
Modifications to the AE2100D3 will include a stronger reduction gearbox and a Dowty six-bladed propeller designed for higher loads. The engine's Lucas full-authority digital engine-control will incorporate software changes for higher output. It will have maximum take-off rating of 3,350kW (4,500shp) flat rated to ISA+25¹C.
The new version will feature the AE2100A's torquemeter and interconnecting struts, combined with the D3's gearbox-mounted accessory gearbox. The position of the inlet and bypass section has been improved to better cope with sea-water ingestion.
The JDA and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) have still to make official an engine choice, but it is understood from local sources that the choice has effectively been narrowed down to the AE2100J. The new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 had also been under earlier consideration. A final decision is expected by September, with first deliveries to ShinMaywa starting in late 1999.
Initially, the AE2100J will be supplied to Japan off-the-shelf, but Allison says that it does not rule out local industrial involvement in the programme if the engine finds wider applications in Japan. The AE2100 is seen as a candidate to power the JMSDF's planned replacement for the Lockheed Martin/Kawasaki P-3C maritime-patrol aircraft.
Source: Flight International
