France’s Snecma is to team up with Italian aerospace propulsion specialist Avio to develop an all-new engine for business aircraft and smaller regional jets.
At this month’s National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, Florida the partners will detail a schedule that will include the testing of the engine core in 2007.
Developed from Snecma’s SM-X demonstrator programme, the engine is aimed at producing 8,500-10,500lb thrust (37-45kN) and will draw on SaM146 turbofan technology under development with NPO Saturn for the Sukhoi Superjet 100.
The high-pressure system technology for the SaM146, derived from the DEM-21 core demonstrator, which ran for the first time in 2005, will be applied to the SM-X. A source close to the deal says: “While this remains a paper engine, it is the first all-new engine in its class for a long time. You could expect competition in this segment.”
One launch contender is Dassault, which is poised to launch a new super mid-sized jet offering customers an economic entry into its range.
Source: Flight International
