EPI TP400

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The EuroProp International TP400-D6 is the all-new powerplant for the Airbus Military A400M, superseding the now defunct Aero Propulsion Alliance TP400-D1 M88 derivative proposed earlier. When it enters service it will be the most powerful turboprop in the Western world. The world's most powerful turboprop is the Russian built 15,000shp Kuznetsov NK-12MP.

The engine has a 2 spool gas generator, with a third shaft connecting the Power (LP) Turbine to the 5.3m diameter, 8 bladed, composite propeller, via an offset reduction gearbox. Gas generator configuration is as follows: 5 stage IP compressor, driven by a single stage IP turbine; contra-rotating 6 stage HP compressor driven by a single stage, air-cooled, HP turbine. The power turbine has 3 stages. The 3 shaft configuration was chosen to maximize overall pressure ratio, whilst retaining a free power turbine.

Maximum power output is 10690shp installed, with an Overall Pressure Ratio of about 25:1 and a Rotor Inlet Temperature of roughly 1500K.

The engine first ran on 28 October 2005, using a water-brake as the load. During subsequent testing, the engine reached full power. On February 28, 2006 the engine was tested for the first time with the propeller installed.

Certification is scheduled for October 2007, with the A400M first flight scheduled shortly afterwards.

The EuroProp joint company is an alliance of, [1]

• Rolls-Royce (28%) United Kingdom
• Snecma Moteurs (28%) France
• MTU Aero Engines (28%) Germany
• Industria de Turbo Propulsores (Sener Aeronáutica & Rolls-Royce) (16%) Spain

These figures are not clear since an article published on 14-09-2006 quotes other different shares, [2]

ITP(20.5%), Rolls-Royce (25%), MTU (22%) and Snecma Moteurs (32.5%)

Responsibilities are as follows:

• Rolls-Royce

Engine integration

HP compressor

LP shaft

Intermediate case

Bearing support structure

• Snecma

Combustor

HP turbine

Powerplant installation

Lubrication system

Starter

Engine control system (in cooperation with MTU)

Accessory gearbox (in cooperation with Hispano-Suiza)

• MTU

IP compressor

IP turbine

IP shaft

Engine control system (in cooperation with SNECMA)

Engine testing

Final assembly

• ITP

Power turbine

External dressings

Front bearing support

Turbine exit casing

Special test equipment

Extensive engine testing

Exhaust nozzle

Workshare on the TP400-D6 engine is split based on the number of aircraft purchased by each of the partner nations.The current shares are: Snecma 32.2% (including work at Techspace Aero), Rolls-Royce 25% (includes work at German operations), MTU 22.2%, ITP 20.6% (includes Turkish share). [3]

Nine countries have ordered a total of 191 four-engine A400Ms: Germany (60), France (50), Spain (27), United Kingdom (25), Turkey (10), South Africa (8), Belgium (7), Chile (3),Malaysia (4) and Luxembourg (1). These aircraft will require 780 TP400-D6 engines and an initial replacement batch of more than 30. Airbus is hoping for export sales of the A400M which would increase this figure.

[edit] External links

• Europrop International