GEOFF THOMAS
Six of Europe's major aero engine companies signed an agreement yesterday at Le Bourget to establish the Aero Propulsion Alliance (APA) joint venture to work on the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The companies are MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma (24.8% each); ITP (13.6%); FiatAvio (8%); and Techspace Aero (4%). The joint venture is being set up to develop, manufacture and support the TP400 turboprop engine chosen to power the A400M.
Headquartered in Munich, APA will manage the TP400 programme - the world's largest-ever turboprop engine - and act as a single point of contact for the customers - the European nations - through procurement agency OCCAR and Airbus Military Company (AMC).Rolls-Royce, together with R-R Deutschland is bringing its wide experience in commercial and military three-shaft technology, while Snecma is contributing its proven M88 core technology to the programme. MTU makes available its turbine capabilities for the low and intermediate pressure systems while ITP will be responsible for casings and externals. Gearbox and power transmission specialists Fiat Avio will look after the power gearbox while lubrication will be in the hands of Techspace Aero.
Source: Flight Daily News
