Europrop International (EPI) Settles in Spain

November 2003

The Consortium responsible for the TP400-D6 engine which powers the A400M, the military transport aircraft, opens its office in Madrid.
The Spanish Secretary of State of the Ministry of Science and Technology, His Excellency Mr. Pedro Morenés Eulate, has inaugurated the new offices of Europrop International (EPI) in the Parque Empresarial San Fernando de Henares in Madrid. The Chairman of EPI and PDG of Snecma Moteurs, Mr. Jean Paul Herteman and its Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Günter Kappler hosted the event.

Jean-Paul Herteman said: "The TP400 will contribute to the development of the high-technology aero engine industry in Europe, securing over 5,000 high-value, high-skilled jobs across Europe. We have founded EPI in order to act as a single engine company."

Günter Kappler highlighted the importance of having the teams for engineering, programme & operations, commercial and ILS in full collocated in the new office. Also he added: "The location in Madrid allows us to have instant contact with our customer AMSL and the engine integration team led by EADS Casa."

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. Other applications may come later. 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 EPI Consortium is formed by Europe's four leading engine manufacturers MTU, Snecma Moteurs, Rolls-Royce and Industria de Turbo propulsores (ITP). The TP400-D6 is a three-shaft configuration that will deliver a maximum power output of 11.000 shaft power. 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.
A first conceptual design will be finished later this month, with final design concluded within a year. The TP400's first ground tests are due in August 2005, and its first flight on a test bed aircraft in December 2006. The A400M will have its first flight in November 2007, with first deliveries to customers in August 2009.

On the occasion of the EPI office inauguration in Madrid, two new directors were nominated:
Jacques Desclaux as Programme & Operations Director and David Redondo Benito de Valle as ILS (Integrated Logistic Support) Director.
Jacques Desclaux (49) comes from Snecma Moteurs where he held the position of Director of M 88 programme. David Redondo (53) comes from ITP Industria de Turbo Propulsores S.A. where he held the position of Head of ILS department. Both have an excellent career in the European aerospace industry.

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