Aircraft

Snecma has begun testing the core engine demonstrator for its Silvercrest business-jet turbofan. The demonstrator will test the high-pressure system, including Turbomeca-designed centrifugal compressor, for the new "10K" - 10,000lb thrust-class - engine.

Covering the 9,500-12,000lb (42-53kN) thrust range, the Silvercrest engine family is being offered to power super mid-size and large-cabin, long-range business jets. Snecma says the engine will also meet the power needs of next-generation 40- to 60-seat regional jets.

Silvercrest core is running at Villaroche in France                            © Snecma

The Silvercrest is the Safran Group company's first business-jet engine, and faces competition in the 10K market from the Honeywell HTF10000, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW10X and Rolls-Royce RB282, as well as a development of General Electric's established CF34.

Several business-jet manufacturers are looking at new aircraft requiring 10K-class engines. The first to be announced, Dassault's super mid-size Future Falcon, will be powered by R-R's RB282-3, the first member of a new two-shaft engine family.