Dassault's Falcon 900EX business jet, powered by three new AlliedSignal TFE731-60 turbofans, was first flown on 1 June. The US Federal Aviation Administration certificated the engine in May.
Also in May, AlliedSignal confirmed the selection of the TFE731-40 for the Falcon 50EX twin-engine business jet. The company says that this 19kN engine includes a 75% improvement in inspection intervals, compared with current levels.
Meanwhile, AlliedSignal's involvement in the Antonov An-38 regional-airliner programme continues, with a first order expected from Vostok Airlines of Khabarovsk, Russia. AlliedSignal supplies the TPE331-14 turboprops, which power the aircraft, and is responsible for integration of the entire power plant. The An-38 is due to be certificated in 1996.
AlliedSignal revealed earlier this year that it is developing a laser-based gas-turbine ignition system designed for improved starting reliability and lower emissions. The Photon-Ignition system is expected to be demonstrated in an engine later this year, and may also be used to develop "smart" fuel injectors in conjunction with NASA.
AlliedSignal is also studying a new engine core to cover the 13-36kN range, below the yet-to-be-launched AS909 turbofan, although the company has not yet ruled out developing new derivatives of the TFE731 core instead.
Raytheon Aircraft has re-launched the Hawker 800 twin-engine business jet as the 800XP powered by AlliedSignal TFE731-5BR engines producing 3.7% more thrust than those on the standard 800.
The company plans to certificate a redesigned version of the LT101 turbo-shaft this year, aimed at overcoming the problem of "shifting blades" in the engine's power turbine. A growth LT101 may also be offered for the Bell 430, US Coast Guard Aerospatiale Dolphin and Eurocopter BK117 helicopters.
The company has, however, shelved development of the AS800 common-core engine, started under Textron Lycoming.
Source: Flight International
