EuroProp 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 dual turbine Kuznetsov NK-12MP.

Contents

[edit] Design

EuroProp International TP400-D6 at Paris Air Show 2007
EuroProp International TP400-D6 at Paris Air Show 2007

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 was scheduled for October 2007, with the A400M first flight scheduled shortly afterwards. However continued technical problems have delayed the certification test program and pushed the entire A400M aircraft program into further delays. There is continued doubt as to the real schedule status despite the Marketing & Sales generated Press Releases that all is well with resolving the significant technical challenges faced by this new engine.

[edit] Europrop

The EuroProp joint company is an alliance (ownership share in brackets) of, [1]

[edit] Workshare

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,TEI that is responsible of Front Bearing Structure and Exhaust Nozzle Assemblies). [2][3]

[edit] Orders

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

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