AlliedSignal Aerospace has successfully run its AS900 engine to full-rated power, a significant milestone in the development of the new turbofan.

The test engine has demonstrated 6,672 pounds of thrust at ISA + 15 degrees -- the planned power requirement for the Bombardier Continental business jet--as well as 7,000 pounds of thrust at ISA + 15 degrees for the Avro RJX application.

"It is welcome news to have our new engine deliver the power and performance to our design levels on the very first test," says Jim Kidwell, AlliedSignal's Director of Engineering, Engines & Systems. "We believe our customers will be equally impressed with what the AS900 will deliver."

Two AS900 engines and seven test rigs now form the core of the development program, which will ultimately see 15 engines achieving more than 8,000 pounds of thrust. A total of 50,000 mission cycles and more than 10,000 hours will be accumulated before the AS900 is cleared for service, and three test engines will perform "accelerated mission testing," a rigorous program designed to simulate the stresses of real-life operations.

To date, the AS900 "test articles" have accrued more than 100 hours, and has demonstrated the 8,025 pounds of thrust equivalent to the engine's full planned certification limits.