The appearance of a Pratt & Whitney PW6000 on MTU's stand marks a momentous shift in the German manufacturer's engine fortunes.
For a couple of years, it has been seeking to move further into making core civil engine parts, and being selected by P&W to produce the high-pressure compressor (HPC) for the PW6000 is its first success.
MTU already supplies the low-pressure turbine for this engine, but taking on the HPC makes it an 18% risk-sharing partner in this programme. Its six-stage HPC replaces a P&W-designed one.
The US company's unit was unable to provide the required efficiency for this engine, which has been selected to power the Airbus A318.
It was to be the lead powerplant on this programme but delays in its development now mean that CFM International CFM56-5B engines will power the first A318s.
The Airbus A318 equipped with CFM56-5B engines is on schedule to begin flight testing in August, leading to certification and entry into service in mid-2003.
The first PW6000-powered A318 is expected to enter service in 2005.
Source: Flight Daily News
