BMW Rolls-Royce has finalised the configuration of a new 35-62kN family of engines with which it would compete with General Electric's CF34-8C. The company says that a launch decision on the BR500 range is dependent on a risk-sharing partner being found.
The new core has three axial compressor stages and a "diagonal" modified (centrifugal) compressor stage, with a single-stage turbine, and draws on technology developed through BMW R-R's involvement in various auxiliary power-unit programmes. A possible application of a reheated version of the new engine could be military trainers, says the company.
BMW R-R is also studying more powerful derivatives of its BR700 family, as the present core could be used for engines producing a thrust of up to 110kN, although such growth could compromise R-R's role in the International Aero Engines V2500. The company will, however, build an 80-90kN version of the BR715, which is scheduled to be tested from the end of 1996.
The BR715 is one of three candidates to be short-listed to power Boeing's proposed 90- to 108-seat New Small Aeroplane. Other potential BR700 applications include a re-engine British Aerospace Nimrod MR2 for the Royal Air Force, and a turboprop version for Europe's proposed Future Large Aircraft.
Development of the BR710-48 is continuing, with seven engines now being run on the company's testbeds. The engine will power the Gulfstream V Global Express business jet which is due to have its first flight in November.
Germany's MTU may become involved in the BR700 programme if negotiations with its parent Daimler-Benz Aerospace over the possible acquisition of a stake in MTU by BMW R-R come to fruition.
BMW R-R has also launched a research programme aimed at developing a staged combustion chamber for use in the BR700 family, which, it says, could yield a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, compared with conventional single-annular chambers.
Source: Flight International