VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
United Technologies (UTC) has offered Russia 50% of Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW800 geared turbofan programme if it is selected by Sukhoi to power the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) family it is developing in conjunction with Ilyushin and Boeing.
Three other engines are under evaluation for the RRJ - the General Electric CF34-8E, Rolls-Royce BR710 and Snecma/NPO Saturn SM146. Ukraine's ZMKB Progress may offer the AI-22 or D-36/436.
Richard Brody, president of international operations at UTC, which is P&WC's parent, says Russia has been offered a 50% share of the manufacturing in the 10,000-20,000lb-thrust (45-89kN) class engine. Other international bidders are expected to offer Russian industry similar offsets.
Based on the technologies developed during Pratt & Whitney's Advanced Technology Fan Integrator effort, the PW800 is under development by P&WC, with Fiat Avio and MTU. The engine, due for certification in late 2005, is also offered for the Chinese ARJ-21 regional jet.
Perm Motors and the Soyuz factory in Moscow are likely to have major roles in PW800 production. Russian engine design bureau Aviadvigatel has been invited to participate, with responsibility for the all-composite nacelle and thrust reverser, along with some elements in the LP compressor, mixer and interstage bearings.
P&W's St Petersburg-based subsidiary Pratt-WhitneyRus is already working on the PW800, while MTU says that part of its 40% share in the PW800 would be subcontracted to Russian companies in the form of design work.
Source: Flight International
