Two-shaft boosterless turbofan with nine-stage HP compressor proposed for Bombardier 100-seater under study
Rolls-Royce is proposing a new two-shaft turbofan, in addition to a BR700 variant, to power the new 100- to 115-seat jet under study by Bombardier. Based on a core demonstrator scheduled to run in 2006, the new engine would be available to support a 2010 entry into service, says Rolls-Royce Deutschland engineering director Norbert Arndt.
R-R's German arm has provided Bombardier with basic performance data on a notional two-shaft turbofan, and says the Canadian manufacturer's objectives could require a new engine. Likely candidates to power the 100-seater include a growth derivative of the General Electric CF34-10, the yet-to-be-launched Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 and the Snecma SM146.
The new two-shaft engine proposed to Bombardier is based on a core to be run under the German government-supported Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm (Lufo) III effort to develop technology for turbofans of 20,000lb (89kN) thrust-class and beyond, says Arndt. The core will run in an altitude-test facility in Stuttgart in 2006.
Whereas the 18,500-21,000lb-thrust BR715 has a three-stage "booster" compressor and 10-stage high-pressure (HP) compressor, the new engine would be boosterless, Arndt says, with a nine-stage HP compressor and two-stage shroudless HP turbine. The engine would meet International Civil Aviation Organisation CAEP 6 emissions limits scheduled to take effect in 2008.
"We are in talks with Bombardier, and are offering them a menu of options including the BR700 and a new product," says Arndt. R-R does not believe Bombardier has yet selected any engine manufacturer(s) with which to work on joint definition of the 100-seater. A launch decision is expected next year.
GRAHAM WARWICK / DAHLEWITZ
Source: Flight International
