France's Snecma and Britain's Rolls-Royce are teaming up on research for an Advanced Military Engine Technology (AMET) programme for the next generation of combat aircraft.
Once arch rivals to power what was then a five-nation European fighter aircraft, Snecma ultimately went it alone for the Rafale's M-88 powerplant, while Rolls-Royce teamed up with other European engine builders for the Eurofighter's EJ200 engine.
Co-operation on the AMET programme will enable Snecma and Rolls-Royce to design and produce by 2010 the highest performance engines to succeed the M-88 and EJ200 families which at present power the Rafale and Eurofighter 2000.
British Aerospace and Dassault Aviation have for the past three years been working together on next century's fifth generation fighter aircraft.
The AMET programme aims to reduce operating costs by 30% and improve operational capabilities by doubling engine thrust-to-weight ratio. By working together and sharing results, the programme partners will speed up and expand their acquisition of advanced technologies.
The two engine-builders are tackling the technological requirements for the future combat aircraft engine in several key areas: thrust-to-weight ratio, procurement cost, cost of ownership and specific fuel consumption.
To reach the goals of performance, Snecma and Rolls-Royce are working in such fields as aerothermodynamics, materials and processes, mechanical engineering and control.
Source: Flight Daily News
