The BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan was certificated by Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities on 14 August, one day ahead of the original development schedule.
Initial applications are the Gulfstream V, first customer deliveries of which are due by the end of the year, and the Bombardier Global Express business jet, which is expected to have its maiden flight in early October.
The more powerful BR715 series was launched in October 1995, following ValuJet Airlines' order for 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-95s. The BR715 has been selected as the sole power plant for this 100-seat airliner, and has also been chosen for the British Aerospace Nimrod 2000 maritime-patrol aircraft.
The engine is also being offered to power the Aviation Industries of China Air Express AE-100 and IPTN N2130 regional jets.
The BR715, initially rated at 82kN, is due to be run for the first time in March 1997, followed by certification in September 1998. Service-entry on the MD-95 has been scheduled for 1999.
The BR715 uses the existing BR710 core, with an additional two-stage booster compressor, a three-stage low-pressure turbine, and an enlarged, 1.47m-diameter fan.
BWM R-R, in partnership with MTU, is participating in a German Government-sponsored research programme to develop technology for next-generation civil power plants, a programme which has been dubbed the Engine 3E 2010.
The study is focused on a geared ducted-fan engine with a bypass ratio of 15, and is aimed at dramatically reducing emissions, fuel consumption and ownership costs, compared with existing engines.
Source: Flight International
