Rolls-Royce says a spring 2005 launch of a Trent '7E7' engine development programme, for Boeing's projected new airliner, would meet current entry into service targets.
Speaking at Le Bourget, Mike Terrett, president, civil aerospace, said: "Completion of development in the second quarter of 2007 would dovetail with Boeing's mid-2008 schedule for commercial operations of the new aircraft to begin."
The new Trent variant would be designed for thrust of 60,000-70,000lb (267-312kN). "Discussions with Boeing are continuing through the preliminary design phase and, subject to a satisfactory business case being established, we believe we will be able to define specific engine requirements by the end of this year," Terrett says.
Source: Flight Daily News
