Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
BMW Rolls-Royce has been forced to redesign high pressure compressor (HPC) blades in the BR715 turbofan for the Boeing 717-200 after cracks developed in the 717's tests. The problem could delay the first flight.
The problems, uncovered during high altitude tests in the UK, affect the third stage of the HPC. New blades have been fitted to three BR715 engines. Boeing 717 chief project engineer Tom Croslin says that it will have no impact on the roll-out, "but maybe on first flight", which is scheduled for June.
"It's basically restricted to a high altitude issue," says Croslin. "BMW R-R has done an excellent job of recovering from what is a typical development problem."
The 89-98kN (18,500lb-22,000lb) thrust BR715 uses the same 10-stage HP compressor and two stage HP turbine as that of the BR710, which is itself derived from the core of the International Aero Engines V2500.
"We still intend to work with the engines we have and, later in the programme, will replace them with modified engines," Croslin adds.
The first shipset of engines was fitted to the initial test 717, aircraft T-1, in February. The second set is to be mated to T-2 in May, and aircraft T-3 will receive engines in June. The first production standard 717 is to have BR715s in August.
Blade cracking is the first reported development issue for the BR715 since a successful first run on 28 April, 1997. BMW R-R was unavailable for comment.
Source: Flight International
