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It's Called a Powerjet
Hard on the heels of this week's news of Siberia Airline's launch order for 50 Sukhoi Russian Regional Jets, NPO Saturn and Snecma Moteurs announced yesterday at Farnborough the formation of Powerjet as a new 50/50 jv to supply the RRJ's SaM146 powerplants. The Russian and French engine companies have been working together since 1999 to develop a high-efficiency turbofan in the 13,500-17,500-pounds-thrust range.
Test runs of the core engine started in 2002, and in three initial phases, have successfully met basic design performance requirements. The full engine configuration is now being finalized for bench runs due to start in late 2005, and the first production components are being built for powerplant deliveries from late 2007. SaM146s of differing thrusts will power the proposed 65-, 75- and 90-seat RRJs.
—John Fricker
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