Europrop International

 

Successful TP400-D6 First Engine with Propeller to Test
February 2006
EPI Europrop International GmbH celebrated today the successful first test of the TP400-D6 First Engine with Propeller at a Snecma testing facility in Istres (France).

Successful TP400-D6 First Engine with Propeller to Test The first run of the complete engine was witnessed by representatives of the participating Europeangovernments, together with representatives of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération enmatière d'ARmement), EASA, Airbus Military S.L. and shareholders of EPI. “We are extremely pleased with the successful testing of the TP400-D6 First Engine with Propeller ", said José Massol, Managing Director of EPI. He added: “It marks a major milestone for both EPI and our customer, Airbus Military, and demonstrates the results of the tremendous efforts made by EPI and itsparent companies to meet Europe’s strategic defense requirements." 
 
The TP400-D6 will continue to undergo extensive performance and operability tests on the Istres outdoor test facility. More than one thousand measurements are in place for monitoring detailed performance of this First Engine with Propeller. This TP400-D6 development engine was previously used to demonstrate the First Engine To Test (First Engine without Propeller) milestone in October 2005 and has currently already undergone a total of 35 hours of testing. This development engine has already demonstrated achievement of the maximum rating of 10,690 horsepower. 

EPI has also completed the assembly of the second, highly instrumented engine at the ITP facility in Ajalvir (Spain). This engine will be first tested at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in Ludwigsfelde (Germany) for performance tests before being sent to the CEPr (Propulsion test centre) in Saclay (France), for the first series of simulated altitude tests. The TP400-D6 engine sets new standards for life, reliability and availability in a military operation environment. 

It is a three-shaft configuration combining state of the Art engine modules developed by the parents of EPI. It will deliver a maximum power output of around 11,000 shaft horsepower at sea level. The engine also benefits from proven technology derived from the outstanding expertise in military and civil aero engines.

Notes for Editors

EPI Europrop International GmbH was created by four leading European aero-engine companies - Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma (SAFRAN Group) - to manage the TP400 engine programme.

Designed to power the Airbus Military A400M military transport, the TP400 will be the most powerful turboshaft engine to enter service in the West. It features a three-shaft configuration and will deliver a maximum power output of 11,000 shaft horsepower. More than 800 engines will be required for the 192 A400M aircraft ordered to date by nine countries.

For further information, please contact:
Nick Britton, Rolls-Royce
Tel: +44 117 979 59 43
Email: nick.britton@rolls-royce.com

Vincent Chappard, Snecma
Tel: +33 (0)1 69 87 09 29
Email: vincent.chappard@snecma.fr