TP400-D6 engine successfully completed first tests

December 2005

EPI Europrop International GmbH has successfully completed the first series of tests of the TP400-D6 turboprop engine at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in Ludwigsfelde (Germany). The tests mark the latest significant milestone for the partnership between ITP, MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma in the development of the new turboprop engine for the A400M.

During the tests, the TP400-D6 engine reached full power and completed more than 35 hours of testing. On October 28, 2005, EPI celebrated the successful first run of the TP400-D6 at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg. This instrumented development engine has been installed on a new test-bed with a water-brake in front of the output shaft of the power gearbox. One thousand measurements, including strain gauges and dynamic probes, are in place for monitoring detailed performance of this first engine at ground level. Based on Rolls-Royce performance test analysis, the engine has shown satisfactory behavior, in line with the design predictions.

"EPI is delighted with the success of the first series of tests of the TP400-D6 engine", said José Massol, Managing Director of EPI. He added : "The first test engine will now be fitted with the first propeller for the First Engine Plus Propeller to Test (FEPTT) on a Snecma test rig in Istres (France), early next year ".

EPI partner ITP is now completing the assembly of the second, highly instrumented engine. It will be used at the CEPr (Propulsion test centre) in Saclay (near Paris), for the first series of simulated altitude tests.

The TP400-D6 engine will set 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 partners 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, including a dual Full Authority Digital Engine Control.

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