UK engine maker says market should decide which is first engine on new Airbus twinjet
Rolls-Royce is trying to unseat General Electric as the lead powerplant supplier on the A350, as part of its discussions with Airbus about offering a version of its Trent engine on the new twinjet.
Airbus reached agreement with GE last year to offer a version of the Boeing 7E7's GEnx on the A350, and Airbus said in December when it received authority to offer the new family that "initial A350s" will be powered by that engine. But at last week's A380 "reveal" ceremony in Toulouse, R-R managing director airlines Charles Cuddington said that the issue of lead-engine supplier is part of its discussions with Airbus. "It is our intention to compete on the programme, but we believe that the market should decide which engine leads the programme," he added.
Cuddington adds that the R-R engine for the A350 would use technology from the 7E7's Trent 1000, "but will have a new designation".
*Airbus has awarded the A350 nacelle contract to Goodrich. The US-based company is also developing the nacelle for the 7E7, and was the acknowledged front runner against its closest competitor, Hurel-Hispano. Goodrich declines to comment on its victory.
MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / TOULOUSE
Source: Flight International
