ALLISON SAYS that its planned growth AE3012 turbofan is one of four engines being offered for the 70- to 84-seat regional jet under study by Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)).
The BMW Rolls-Royce BR710, General Electric CF34-8C and a new turbofan jointly proposed by Pratt & Whitney Canada and Snecma have also been offered, the US manufacturer believes.
Al Novick, vice-president for large commercial engines, says that the AE3012 is now a joint programme with R-R, following the UK manufacturer's acquisition of Allison in 1995.
R-R's involvement is likely to influence design of the low-pressure system for the AE3012, with Allison focusing on the core, developed from the existing AE3007's.
While the AE3007, with its 960mm-diameter fan, is capable of producing up to 42kN (9,500lb) thrust, the AE3012 will have a 1,100mm fan and will generate 45-62kN, Novick says. Within the R-R engine range, the AE3000 family fits in below the 60-90kN-thrust BR700 series, he says.
The growth engine has yet to be launched formally, with Allison performing preliminary design and "responding to customers", according to Novick. AI(R) is "talking to airlines" about its planned regional jet, he says.
An Allison briefing document depicts the proposed AI(R) 70, and stretched AI(R) 84 as similar in configuration to the 50-seat Embraer EMB-145 regional jet.
Source: Flight International
