MTU has delivered the first optimised high-pressure compressor for the Turbo union RB199 engine to the German armed services for their Panavia Tornado IDSs.
The new compressor provides 12% more airflow than the original engine, says MTU. The uprated engine is intended to provide additional thrust to meet the Tornado's mission requirements.
MTU says the six-stage compressor speed has been reduced and the blade geometry and stagger angle have been adjusted. MTURB199 chief engineer Reiner Pontow adds: "Advanced design techniques helped us optimise the aerofoil. This improved the vibration behaviour and life of the engine."
It predicts the compressor - due to be retrofitted - will save operators "double - if not triple - digit million euro amounts".
Source: Flight International
