Successful First Engine Test of the TP400-D6 engine

October 2005

EEPI Europrop International GmbH announces that the successful first engine test of the TP400-D6engine has taken place today at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in in Ludwigsfelde. The first engine test of the TP400-D6 engine was witnessed by representatives of the participatingEuropean governments, together with representatives of OCCAR (Organisation Conjoint de Cooperationen matiere d'Armement), Airbus Military SL company and shareholders of EPI.

“EPI is delighted with the successful first ground test of the TP400-D6 engine", said José Massol,Managing Director of EPI. He added : “It marks a new step forward in the development and the validationof the advanced engine technologies for the A400M aircraft."

During the tests, the TP400-D6 engine performed exactly as expected. The engine is designed for civil-standard life, reliability and availability in a military operation environment.

The TP400-D6 engine is athree-shaft configuration combining the most advanced state of the art of engine modules developed bythe partners of EPI (Snecma, Rolls-Royce, MTU, ITP). It will deliver a maximum power output in excess of 11,000 shaft horsepower at sea level. The engine benefits from proven technology derived from theoutstanding expertise in military and civil aero engines, including a dual Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). The certification of the engine is scheduled for October 2007 with the A400M first flight due shortly after. On October 15th, 2005, José Massol has replaced Prof. Guenter Kappler (who had fulfilled his three-year contract) as managing director of EPI, coming from the position of Senior Vice-President international operations of Thales. EPI has achieved significant milestones since 2002. In 2003, EPI was selected to power the new AirbusMilitary A400M military transport aircraft with the Western world's largest-ever turboprop engine.

In 2004, the preliminary design review of the TP400-D6 engine was successfully concluded and EPI celebratedthe successful first run of the TP400-D6 intermediate pressure compressor. In May 2005, EPIannounced the successful first test of the TP400-D6 engine control and monitoring system in a dry rig

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