MTU and Pratt & Whitney are jointly designing and developing the Mid Thrust Family Engine (MTFE) to rival the BMW Rolls-Royce BR700 series of engines. The MTFE family would eventually cover the 65-105kN range.
With MTU parent Daimler-Benz Aerospace understood to be negotiating the sale of 51% of its engine subsidiary to BMW R-R, however, the future of the MTFE programme could be in doubt.
Mechanically, the MTFE is a dual-spool configuration supported by five bearings. The engine's low-pressure spool consists of a single-stage fan and two-stage low-pressure compressor, driven by a three-stage low-pressure turbine. The high-pressure spool includes a six-stage compressor, driven by a single-stage high-pressure turbine.
Initial full engine tests are planned to take place in early 1997, followed by certification in 1998 and entry into service in 2000.
Source: Flight International
