PAUL LEWIS / CINCINNATI & WASHINTON DC
Three manufacturers chasing a re-engining deal need to come up with a financing plan - leasing could be the answer
Prospects for re-engining the US Air Force's fleet of 360 Fairchild OA/A-10 Thunderbolts hinge increasingly on industry's ability to find alternative financing schemes and/or secure supplementary funding, with Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce now pushing for an open competition with incumbent supplier General Electric.
"We want to upgrade the aircraft's thrust and improve medium-altitude performance," says Brig Gen Daniel Leaf, USAF director of operational requirements.
"It's a matter of balancing the needs for sustaining the aircraft and ensuring it remains viable and relevant, but we've not yet found something we can fit in the affordability matrix," he adds. The USAF is giving funding priority to the OA/A-10 Precision Engagement programme of avionic and sensor upgrades, but pilots have asked for improved climb rate and manoeuvring above 20,000ft (6,100m).
Companies are looking at creative financing schemes - such as leasing - to help sell the programme. Hurdles remain, however, such as securing Congress' commitment to long-term funding to ensure a viable lease deal.
Others have proposed pre-costed maintenance deals, while some are pinning their hopes on supplemental congressional funding to upgrade the Air National Guard's 100 aircraft.
GE had proposed a flat-rated 10,500lb-thrust (47kN) CF34-8C growth development of the OA/A-10's TF34 powerplant. The engine is heavier and has a larger fan diameter requiring a replacement nacelle, which "made it a more expensive proposition than initially thought", says Stephen Clark, GE manager A-10 propulsion upgrade. Lower-cost proposals include a smaller improved CF34-3B with modified fan and turbine section, or a TF34 retrofit kit.
R-R has unveiled a proposed uprated AE3007L turbofan. "The engine would fit exactly in the nacelle and comes in at the same weight as the TF34. There would be changes to the engine to reach 11,000lb-thrust, but it would be less costly than an -8C," claims Scott Saunders, R-R director USAF programmes.
P&W has identified the PW800 geared fan and PWC308 turbofan as candidates, but is pressing the USAF to release information to narrow down the requirement. "The level of detail has not flowed down. We're interested and think we have the right product and technology and are encouraging the air force to compete the re-engining," says Clayton Small, P&W small military engine director.
Source: Flight International
