AlliedSignal Aerospace has signed a definitive agreement with Dassault Aviation for a TFE731-40 engine retrofit option for operators of Falcon 50 aircraft.

The upgrade kit will consist of AlliedSignal's TFE731-40 engines and Integrated PowerPlant System (IPPS), complete with engine build-up kits and other components.

"By upgrading to TFE731-40 engines, Falcon 50 operators will see reduced time-to-climb and as much as a 24% increase in cruise thrust," says Steve Loranger, President, AlliedSignal Aerospace Engines & Systems. "Operators that upgrade to our ­40 engines will also see improved engine reliability, durability and reduced cost of ownership."

As part of the upgrade, the engine's bleed air system will be modified to the current Falcon 50 production configuration, providing improved air distribution, and rudder deflection will be increased to 29 degrees for improved handling. Additionally, three Engine Indication Electronic Displays (EIDC) will replace older cockpit instrumentation.

On the performance side, operators of TFE731-40-powered Falcon 50s can expect to climb to FL410 in around 15 minutes less than the aircraft's present climb capability of 39 minutes to FL390. This improvement eliminates the need for step-climbs, increasing range, while a digital electronic engine control allows automatic takeoff, climb, and cruise thrust settings and other benefits.

Each TFE731-40 will give Falcon 50 operators flat-rated (86 degrees F) hot-day performance of 3,700 pounds of takeoff thrust at sea level, improved fuel economy at altitude, and extended inspection intervals. The engine is rated at 1,010 pounds of cruise thrust at FL400 and Mach 0.8, while delivering a thrust-specific fuel consumption of 0.739.

Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) hourly rates will also drop for TFE731-40 operators, from more than $120 per hour to a first-term contract rate of $79.62 per hour--a 30% savings on a per-hour basis. The TFE731-40 engine carries maintenance intervals of 2,500 hours for major periodic inspections, and 5,000 hours for compressor zone inspections, a 16% improvement over existing engines. The TFE731-40 is backed by a five-year, 2,000-hour, non-prorated warranty covering workmanship, troubleshooting, engine removal and installation labor. The upgrade kits will be available in November, AlliedSignal says.