AlliedSignal has launched full-scale development of a new turbofan engine family for the regional and business jet markets.
First customer announcements for the AS900, says AlliedSignal, should come in the fourth quarter of 1998, with certification expected in the first half of 2001 and initial deliveries following later in that same year. A final decision on partnerships for the programme will be made within eight weeks, although it is confirmed that AIDC of Taiwan will make the fan.
Programme manager 'TK' Kallenbach says talks are being held with a number of airframe manufacturers and operators. "We have been looking at this for some time and we are convinced that the timing for a launch is excellent," he says.
The new engine family will offer a thrust range of 4,000-9,000lb (18-40kN). It is aimed at smaller regional jets in the 35- to 50-seat category and business jets in the super-midsize and larger sectors.
Dominique Hedon, vice-president of commercial propulsion, describes the engine launch as the most significant in a decade. "AlliedSignal is fully committed to business aviation and this is a major investment that proves our commitment. We are very enthusiastic," he says.
Pratt & Whitney, meanwhile, says its proposed PW6000 has been selected as the launch engine for the 100-seat Airbus A318 and that it will announce a formal go-ahead when the A318 finds a customer. John Leahy, senior vice-president, commercial, at Airbus, says: "We were looking to build in low cost of ownership and we have got that with the PW6000."
Source: Flight Daily News