Julian Moxon/PARIS
THE PRESIDENT of French engine manufacturer Snecma, Bernard Dufour, says that he is "promoting the idea" of Rolls-Royce, Fiat and MTU joining in a 190kN (43,000lb)-thrust turbofan for the Future Large Aircraft (FLA) and the growth version of the Airbus A340. "Nothing should prevent us opening the door", he says.
Dufour's initiative is despite the fact that the FLA is now configured as a turboprop aircraft.
The so-called CFMXX would bring in other partners alongside Snecma's CFM International co-partner, General Electric. Dufour says that GE "understands" that any European military programme "...would require a European content of around 75%".
Dufour met Rolls-Royce chairman Sir Ralph Robins in November 1994. "We covered mainly the subject of the FLA. He indicated that he had no problem on collaboration," he says.
Dufour wants the CFMXX to be launched "before the end of the year, if possible", to meet the Airbus requirement. He declines to answer the question of what would happen if the UK does not join the FLA programme.
The French Government has indicated that Snecma is likely to receive a further Fr2 billion for recapitalisation.
Dufour expects the engine maker's losses for 1994 to be around Fr1 billion "...and 1995 risks being no better".
Source: Flight International