International Aero Engines (IAE), a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, MTU and Japanese Aero Engines, produces nine variants of the V2500 turbofan, which powers some Airbus A319/320/321s and the McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30. Italy's FiatAvio sold its minority stake in IAE to the four remaining partners earlier this year, although it remains a subcontractor on the programme.
The latest engine to be certificated is the V2533-A5 on the A321-200, rated at 147kN. In May, the IAE-powered A321 received 120min extended-range twinjet operations approval from the European Joint Aviation Authorities.
Flight-testing of the V2524 on the smaller A319 began in May, and the 200h programme, is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. IAE claims to have signed up around 80% of new Airbus narrow-body airliner customers since the end of 1992.
The company launched a programme in 1995 aimed at cutting the operating costs of its engines by more than 20% within 12-18 months. The effort focused mainly on extending the life of components in the combustion chamber, and the high- and low-pressure turbines.
IAE is working with Calcor Aero Systems of the USA to develop a variable-area exhaust nozzle for the V2500.
The first engine run on a V2500-A5 is scheduled for early 1997.
Source: Flight International
