Allison Engines, acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1995, is studying a growth version of the AE3007 turbofan which powers the Embraer EMB-145 regional jet and Cessna Citation X business jet. Designated the AE3012, the engine would be offered as a potential power plant for the planned Aero-International (Regional) 70-seater.
The AE3012 would be based on the core of the AE3007, but use a revised low-pressure system (likely to be developed in co-operation with BMW Rolls-Royce) and an enlarged, 1.1m-diameter fan. The AE3012 would cover the 45-62kN thrust range, compared with the AE3007's upper limit of around 42kN with its existing 960mm-diameter fan.
The engine is likely to face fierce competition in the market place, against the General Electric CF34-8C and Snecma/Pratt & Whitney Canada SPW14. Allison continues to evaluate new applications for the A3007, including possible stretched, turbofan-powered versions of the Fairchild Dornier 328.
The AE2100 turboprop, meanwhile, could be used to re-engine the Alenia G222 transport, following a joint-venture agreement between the Italian manufacturer and Lockheed Martin. This engine, which powers the latter's C-130J, Saab 2000 and IPTN N-250, has also been chosen by Dassault Aviation for its Atlantic Third Generation maritime-patrol aircraft.
Among other developments, Allison's Model 250-C47B turbo-shaft engine for the Bell 407 helicopter was certified in February.
Source: Flight International
