ALLIEDSIGNAL IS studying the possible development of a new engine core as it prepares plans to take its corporate-aviation power plant business into the next century.
AlliedSignal Business Aviation Propulsion Vice-President Carl Schopfer says that the core option is a key issue as "...we consider where do we go in 2000?"
The new core, if adopted, could cover a thrust range from around 13kN (3,000lb) to almost 36kN, allowing it to dovetail with the more powerful turbofan version of AlliedSignal's new Common Core engine (now named the AS 909) which the company is expected to go ahead with.
Jim Robinson, business-operations vice-president, says that AlliedSignal's current 30% market-share of the corporate engine market will be dramatically affected whatever option is chosen.
The company is keen to build on the success of the new TFE731-20/40/60 family and the CFE738, developed jointly with General Electric. These have arrested a decline in market share since the late 1980s, when competition - particularly from Pratt & Whitney Canada - began eroding its hold on the market with the original 731 family.
"We must decide on a new core or a derivative. We're in the process of deciding what to do. If we don't do anything, our share will drop to around 20%," warns Robinson. Equally, the company predicts that a new product strategy could return market share to its 1987 peak of around 60% by 2001. AlliedSignal forecasts that 3,600 new business jets, worth around $40 billion in 1994 dollar values will be delivered between 1994 and 2005.
"What we're talking about now, is a leapfrog in technology," says Schopfer, giving further details of several other options. These include further derivatives of the newly enhanced TFE731, and potential growth and "lite" versions of the CFE738-1/2. An improved 731 family would use advances in composite materials, fan design and blisk (blade and disk) technology. The thrust range of the family would also be extended beyond the current 15-22kN, to cover between 13.8kN and 24kN.
The CFE-Lite version of the CFE738 under study covers the 24-27kN range and would probably incorporate new lightweight materials, an advanced fan and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. The more powerful CFE738, with growth covering the 27-3.5kN range, would also have an advanced fan design as well as high temperature and lightweight materials.
While AlliedSignal is confident of developing the derivative and AS 909 options within the existing corporate structure, it admits that the move to a new core for the lower and mid-range thrust bracket would mean the "...very high probability of a strategic alliance".
Source: Flight International