Hurel-Dubois has secured the launch order for its novel Papillion thrust reverser design after being selected to equip the Pratt & Whitney PW6000 on the Airbus A318.
Hurel-Dubois has been subcontracted to provide the thrust-reverser to nacelle specialist Aircell, which itself has been selected to supply the entire system on the PW6000-powered A318. The whole deal for the A318 is worth a potential $750 million to Aircell.
A 50/50 joint venture between Airbus Industrie and Hispano-Suiza, Aircell was launched last year to supply nacelles for the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 on the A340-500/600.
The PW6000 deal represents the first application for Hurel-Dubois' Papillion thrust-reverser, which is designed to be cheaper, lighter and more reliable than existing systems and requiring fewer components.
The design is aimed at underwing-mounted engines, with two horizontal plane doors reversing the flow of bypass air.
Source: Flight International
