GUY NORRIS/ PHOENIX
Honeywell Engines & Systems will decide on the future of its FX next-generation turbofan plan early next year, after losing the competition to power Dassault's 7X business jet (formerly FNX).
Honeywell plans to develop the FX family as a successor to the TFE731-20/40/60 range, but covering a slightly greater thrust-range beyond 6,000lb (26.7kN). The company had based the highest thrust version, the FX-5, on Dassault's FNX requirements, but Honeywell is now debating the engine's viability following Dassault's choice of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A.
"We believe the market for the FX is there, so we are designing a product for tomorrow," says Honeywell's commercial propulsion business development director, Victor Valente. As-yet-unspecified testing will continue, with testing on the high-pressure core, completed on 30 October. The search continues for a launch customer and a suitable first application. "There are plenty more fish in the sea," says Valente.
Source: Flight International
