Rolls-Royce is offering Australia a full-authority digital electronic-control (FADEC) version of the Adour Mk871, in a last-ditch effort to swing a deal to power the air force's recently selected British Aerospace Hawk 100 lead-in fighter trainer.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is to make a decision shortly between the R-R/Turboméca Adour and the AlliedSignal Aerospace F124 turbofan engines. Both engine manufacturers have submitted their final tenders, and BAe Australia (BAeA) has completed an independent evaluation.
"We've been tasked by the RAAF to look at both engine options-and supply the air force with meaningful data to make a decision. We're in the final days of learning what the RAAF wants," says BAeA group chief executive Robin Southwell.
BAe had originally tendered with an Adour-powered Hawk, but was asked to conduct a fresh engine evaluation after the airframe was selected in November. For AlliedSignal, the new competition represents its third attempt at winning the order, after the F124-powered McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk and Aero Vodochody L-159 had been earlier ruled out.
The modular design of the F124 is understood to appeal to the RAAF. AlliedSignal, which is also offering its T100 auxiliary power unit and air-turbine starter as a package, claims that the FADEC-equipped engine is more fuel-efficient and offers lower life-cycle costs and better growth potential than does the Adour. It is further proposing a three-step programme to boost the F124's 28kN (6,300lb) thrust by nearly 16%.
AlliedSignal claims that integrating the F124 with the Hawk could cost as little as $10 million. It argues that the installation is 90% common with that of the T-45, which has already been flight-tested with the F124.
R-R argues, however, that the differences in weight and performance between the two engines is "marginal", and that the Adour represents a proven "low-risk" solution. It is, nonetheless, offering a range of Adour enhancements.
Source: Flight International
