Pratt & Whitney is in "business discussions" with Airbus Industrie over a potential new turbofan for the A340-500/600, aimed at reaching a definitive "sole-source" agreement by the Paris air show.
The new study engine, dubbed the PW4557, combines the 2.37m-diameter titanium fan and low-pressure spool of the 258kN (58,000lb)-thrust PW4158, with the high-pressure spool of the PW4098 now in development for the Boeing 777-300. "We have signed a technical memorandum of understanding [MoU] with Airbus," says P&W senior vice-president, propulsion systems, Bob Leduc. Discussions between P&W and Airbus began on 6 May.
The MoU pits the US engine maker squarely against R-R, which is also discussing the development of a Trent-based engine for the projected A340 derivatives. "We're working towards an agreement at the Paris air show [in June]," says Leduc, who adds that the relatively restricted market size for the aircraft makes exclusivity vital. "Sole source is our position - from a business perspective that makes most sense," Leduc adds.
To meet the wide range of take-off-weight requirements now projected by Airbus, the PW4557 is aimed at covering a thrust range varying from 253kN at the lower weights to almost 276kN - virtually double the thrust of the current aircraft's CFM56 engines - at the top end. These limits are widely expected to move slightly upwards as the new aircraft are more clearly defined. "If we're able to consolidate an engine it will be a very quick development programme," says Leduc. Assuming a go-ahead around the time of the Paris show, P&W is sketching out a 30-month effort with certification in December 1999 and service entry in 2001.
The return to a potentially new, yet conventional, centreline engine for the A340 growth derivatives is a significant departure for P&W which had previously discussed its PW2000-based Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) for the role.
Source: Flight International
