Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Alliance Aircraft has unveiled a fast-track programme launch and development schedule for the 70- and 90-seat baseline members of a planned new family of regional jets. It claims to have letters of intent for up to 30 aircraft from two unidentified European and Asian carriers (Flight International, 25-31 January).
New Hampshire-based Alliance has mapped out a 39-month timetable aimed at securing US Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint Aviation Authorities certification by March 2003. First flight of the 90-seat jet is targeted for February 2002, followed two weeks later by the 70-seater, says Alliance president Earl Robinson. A preliminary design review is due in June and a critical design review in February 2001.
Initial critical decisions are to be taken by April, including the selection of avionics and powerplant suppliers, as well as three risk and revenue sharing partners to produce the aircraft's main wing, fuselage and empennage subassemblies. Alliance says it is looking at a five-display cockpit arrangement, with Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Sextant all in the frame.
The 70-seater will require a 13,250lb-thrust (59kN) engine and the stretch a 16,000lb powerplant, with attention focused on the Rolls-Royce BR700 and General Electric CF34-8. Alliance is also looking at a follow-on 110-seat development, which will require a larger, 17,500lb-thrust engine. "We'll want to stay with the same family," says Robinson, who adds that the winner will also take responsibility for the nacelle and thrust reverser.
Development of the 70-seater and stretched 90-seater will be simplified by the use of a common 80m² (860ft²) wing, while the planned 110-seat version will probably need a 94m² wing, and a proposed 55-seat shrink a 60m² wing. "We could do a third aircraft as quickly as 14-15 months after the 70-seater and have it in service by mid-2004, but which one is indeterminate," says Robinson.
Alliance is budgeting $660 million to develop the two baseline aircraft, of which it claims to have secured $150 million in private funding and is raising $100 million from banks. It hopes that partners will contribute about 25%, with the wing package valued at $80 million and the fuselage $90 million. Another partner may be sought to assist with after-sales support.
Source: Flight International
