Europrop International wins A400M engine competition

May 2003

Munich, Germany - Europrop International (EPI) has been selected to power the new Airbus Military A400M military transport with the Western world's largest-ever turboprop engine. Initially more than 750 TP400-D6 engines will be required for the 180 four-engined A400M aircraft committed to by participating nations.

The TP400-D6 engine is being developed and manufactured by Europe's four leading engine manufacturers: Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP), MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma Moteurs, the four partners of EPI.

Prof. Dr. Günter Kappler, Managing Director of EPI, said: "Winning this fiercely contested contract bears testimony to the tremendous capabilities of the European engine industry. The TP400-D6 combines the ‘best of the best’ from all partners while providing the customer with the lowest overall costs of ownership.

”This engine selection helps the development of the high technology aero engine industry in Europe, securing approximately 3,000 high value, high skilled jobs across Europe.”

The TP400-D6 development plan matches the Airbus Military milestone planning for the A400M. The first engine is due to go to test in August 2005 with engines delivered for first flight in September 2007.

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