Propeller-equipped tests of the Europrop International (EPI) TP400-D6 turboprop are expected in early January, following a successful first run of the powerplant on 28 October. The engine reached 762hp (568kW), running at 677rpm with 7.9kNm torque without a propeller during the test, at MTU Aero Engines’ Ludwigsfelde facility near Berlin. The engine’s full power will be 11,000shp.
The first run was postponed from an original schedule of August, but Europrop International managing director José Massol says the programme can overcome this two-month delay. “There is a two- month target window in the contract, it’s a period of grace,” he says.
The delay was blamed on sub-suppliers having problems with customer demands, capacity and delivery (Flight International, 20-26 September). Massol adds that he does not expect supplier capacity issues to hold up future work.
Engines and propellers have to be delivered to Marshall Aerospace in mid-2006 to be fitted to a company-owned Lockheed Martin C-130K test aircraft for ground runs, with flight tests to follow during 2007, says EPI.
The 5.33m (17.5ft)-diameter eight-bladed FH386 Ratier-Figeac propeller for the TP400-D6 should be delivered to EPI early next month. This will be fitted to a second, Snecma-produced engine before the end of the year.
EPI then-managing director Guenter Kappler last year spoke of potential plans to commercialise technology from the TP400-D6, including derivative engines (Flight International, 9-16 November 2004). However, Massol says he does not expect any such development for some time.
ROB COPPINGER/LUDWIGSFELDE
Source: Flight International
