EPI achieves significant milestone in the development of the TP400-D6 engine

July 2004

EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI), the joint company formed by the four leading European aero engine companies to offer the TP400-D6 turboprop for the A400M transport aircraft, has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the TP400-D6 engine.

The preliminary design review of the TP400-D6 engine, which validates the main conceptual design of the engine and the preferred technologies and architecture, was successfully concluded last month. EPI will begin now all the detail design and the certification tests.

“The success of this review is an important step for the development of the TP400-D6 engine and is a result of the great efforts made by EPI and its parent companies to meet all requirements of the A400M aircraft ", said Prof. Dr. Günter Kappler, Managing Director of EPI. He added : “The engine development is on schedule within the partner companies, with the first ground tests of the TP400-D6 planned in August 2005. ”.

The TP400-D6 is the western world's largest-ever turboprop engine and it is designed to power the Airbus Military Company A400M aircraft. Initially more than 750 engines will be required for the 180 four-engined A400M aircraft committed by the participating Nations. The certification of the engine is scheduled in November 2007. The A400M will have its first flight in November 2007, with first deliveries to customers in August 2009.

This engine helps the development of the high technology aero engine industry in Europe, securing high value, high skilled jobs within the participating companies.

The TP400-D6 features a three-shaft configuration that will deliver a maximum power output of 11.000 shaft horsepower. The propeller will measure 5.3 meters in diameter. It benefits from the proven technologies the four partners have developed in many civil and military engine programmes.

The Europrop International Consortium is formed by Europe's four leading engine manufacturers : Industria de Turbo Propulsores (16%), MTU Aero Engines (28%), Rolls- Royce (28%) and Snecma Moteurs (28%).

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