Aero Propulsion Alliance
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Aero Propulsion Alliance was a European aeroengine consortium set up to develop the TP400-D1 turboprop for the A400M military transport, using a modified SNECMA M88 high pressure spool as the gas generator. Early studies adopted a two shaft design with a shared-load power turbine, but a 3 shaft configuration, with a free power turbine, was later adopted.
However, Airbus considered the specific fuel consumption (SFC) of the TP400-D1 uncompetitive, so a new consortium (EuroProp International) was formed to develop the TP400-D6, with an all-new gas generator. Because of its smaller core size, the TP400-D6 runs at a higher HP turbine Rotor Entry Temperature than the defunct -D1 and consequently has a better thermal efficiency and lower SFC.