HERSTAL, BELGIUM - Pratt & Whitney has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belgian company Techspace Aero for a participation on the GP7000 Engine Program, which will equip the future 555 passenger Airbus A380.
Techspace Aero will be responsible for the design, the development and the production of the low pressure compressor module.
This signature was greeted with enthusiasm by both partners, Pratt & Whitney and Techspace Aero, which have a long tradition of excellent co-operation on other different other engine programs, such as F100 and PW4000.
We have successfully partnered with Techspace Aero on other Pratt & Whitney engine models and look forward to working with them on this exciting engine program, said Robert F. Leduc, Pratt & Whitney chief operating officer and president of the Commercial Engines business.
Were excited about this new partnership which confirms our expertise in low pressure compressor. Our teams are ready to work on this new wonderful challenge concluded Jean-Lin Fournereaux, Chief Executive Officer of Techspace Aero and Jean-Christophe Dalla Toffola, General Manager, Strategy, Commerce & Programs.
In February, Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the GE-P&W Engine Alliance for its GP7000 family of engines to power 22 firm and 10 option Airbus A380-800 aircraft.
The GP7000 has begun development and verification testing, including two core engines that demonstrated stall-free, high-efficiency performance of the high pressure compressor. Component tests are ongoing, with the third core engine slated to go to test early next year to continually improve performance and mature technology. Aerodynamic rig tests of the two-stage high pressure turbine began in January 2002.
Within the Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney is responsible for the fan, low pressure compressor, low pressure turbine, and accessory gearbox modules.
Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company (NYSE: UTX), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.
Techspace Aero, a Snecma Group company, designs, develops and produces engine modules, equipment and systems for aircraft and spacecraft propulsion. The company is also specialized in engine maintenance , in repair and overhaul services as well as in testing facility engineering.