A new engine venture created to develop a powerplant for the Airbus Military Company (AMC) A400M transport will propose a turboprop based around a true three-shaft core rather than a modified Snecma M88 fighter engine high-pressure section as previously planned.
AMC has reopened the engine competition following acknowledgement by Aero Propulsion Alliance (APA) that its TP400 proposal would not meet the weight or specific fuel consumption requirements (Flight International, 26 February - 4 March).
Rolls-Royce managing director defence aerospace Andy Stevens says the team has been reconfigured and "now we have a new core based on three-shaft technology".
He adds: "We have a working commercial proposal." The engine uses "proven technology, we don't see this as a high-risk programme", he says.
Previously, APA comprised FiatAvio, ITP, MTU, R-R, Snecma and Techspace Aero, with the TP400 configuration amalgamating the Snecma M88 core with R-R's three-shaft technology.
Stevens says the new company will not include Italy's FiatAvio, as Rome has withdrawn from the A400M, nor Belgium's Techspace. He adds that the new company will be properly staffed with its own managing director and access to each partners' senior personnel.
FiatAvio could, however, remain on the programme as supplier of the gearbox. Stevens acknowledges that the Italian company is a world leader inturboprop gearboxes, but he warns that FiatAvio will have to win the competition.
The date for responding to AMC's request for proposals has slipped a week to the middle of this month. One problem for AMC is that there are few 10,000-13,000shp (7,450-9,760kW) turboprops available.
Source: Flight International
