PAUL DUFFY / MOSCOW
A new hushkit modification for the Tupolev Tu-154M is due to become available this year which will enable the Russian trijet to comply with noise legislation stricter than Chapter 3 to be implemented in Europe.
A Chapter 3 hushkit is already available for the Aviadvigatel D-30KU-powered Tu-154M. The D-30KU's manufacturer, NPO Saturn, is completing flight testing of a new combustion chamber which will enable it to comply with the planned "Chapter 3 minus 5dB" rules that some European airports could enforce from later this year (Flight International, 11-17 February).
The kit, which is expected to cost around $15,000 per engine, is due for certification by mid-year. According to last year's Flight International World Airliner Census, around 230 Tu-154Ms remain in operation with airlines in Europe and the CIS. NPO Saturn is also working on a "deep modification" of the engine which will produce a more substantial reduction in noise and emission levels.
Source: Flight International
