Geoff Thomas
International Aero Engines (IAE) has announced that it has begun to evaluate a new variant of its V2500 engine, which powers Airbus A320 family aircraft.
The formal launch of the -A7 version could happen by the end of this year, says IAE president and chief executive Mike Terrett. The company is evaluating the market demand for this upgraded V2500, which is particularly aimed at the A321, but could also be a retrofitted
Speaking at the show yesterday, IAE's president and CEO Mike Terrett said: "We're letting the market do the talking. This new variant offers more thrust, lower emissions and lower operating costs. If the customer demand is there - and we are just beginning the evaluation - we could launch the project later this year and look to first runs in 2001 with operational certification following in 2003.
"The -A7 would also offer better fuel burn and this, when combined with the increased thrust, will interest airlines operating from hot/high/short runways."
IAE also claims that the engine will offer more operational economies due to the fact that the core will run at lower temperatures, offering reduced maintenance.
The -A7 would incorporate an advanced "swept" wide-chord fan blade developed by Rolls-Royce, one of the IAE partners. Another partner, Pratt & Whitney, would contribute its advanced Talon combustor to reduce emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides.
Partner Japan Aero Engines would redesign the fan to accommodate the "swept" fan blades, while MTU would be responsible for ensuring compatibility of the low pressure turbine with the rest of the engine.
"This is an incremental building block," says Terrett. "But before formal launch we will have to make sure that there is a sound business case which will involve a significant number of quality customers."
Source: Flight Daily News
