Pratt & Whitney has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) as part of efforts to bolster its chances of having the PW6000 selected for the Sino-European AE31X regional-jet programme.
The US company says that "discussions are under way on what parts and components AVIC could build for the 65-105kN[15,000- 24,000lb]-thrust turbofan as a risk- and revenue-sharing partner and/or preferred supplier". Development costs will total around $750 million.
P&W has already formed a joint venture with AVIC's Chengdu engine-production company and says that it "-will sign a contract soon" for a second venture at Xian.
The P&W MoU follows a similar agreement between AVIC and CFM International (CFMI), which is offering the CFM56-9 for the AE31X. The other contender is BMW Rolls-Royce, which is proposing its BR715.
An annular combustor has already been developed for the engine and "has performed well" in rig tests which began in December 1996. P&W has fabricated high-pressure compressor hardware for forthcoming rig tests. Performance testing is due to begin "later this year".
P&W says that the PW6000 could enter service as early as 2002 if it is selected during 1998.
CFMI predicts potential sales of as many as 5,000 CFM56-7B engines for the next-generation 737. Engine sales are expected to be worth $4.5 billion in 1997 against $2.7 billion in 1996. The surge of 737 orders in particular is largely responsible for increased sales which will peak at an expected $5.5 billion in 1998.
"After that, it should remain steady for a few years at around $5.5 billion," says CFMI president, Gerard Laviec.
The company is raising production from a run of around 450 engines in 1996 to more than 950 in 1998. Orders in 1996 totalled 1,280 engines.
Source: Flight International
