MAJOR INDUSTRIAL MILESTONE ON ROAD TO A400M LAUNCH AIRBUS MILITARY SELECTS ENGINE FOR A400M

Following a full and thorough evaluation of the engines on offer, Airbus Military Company has today announced that the engine selected for the A400M will be the TP400, to be jointly developed and manufactured by a European consortium. The chosen engine is a ten thousand shaft-horsepower turbo-prop based on proven technology. It combines the military M88 core with three-shaft civil aero engine architecture and fully meets the required specification.

Originally faced with a choice of two separate engine proposals from Rolls Royce and Turboprop International, AMC has finally chosen the TP400. This engine is the result of a combined effort by Rolls-Royce, Snecma Moteurs, MTU Aero Engines, FiatAvio, Industria de Turbopropulsores and Techspace Aero. The Turkish aero engine industry will also be invited to participate in the partnership. A joint venture company will be formed to manage the programme.

"We are very satisfied with the outcome of what has been a complex and demanding evaluation," said Alain Flourens, President of Airbus Military. "The most thorough investigation of the three possible alternatives has been concluded and the result provides the A400M with the best possible engine both technically and commercially."

The TP400 will be the most powerful turbo-prop engine so-far produced in the western world and, combined with the aircraft's aerodynamic qualities, will make the A400M the world's fastest new-generation turbo-prop aircraft.

Commitments for 225 A400M military transport aircraft have been received from the eight launch customer nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Contract signature is expected within the first half of 2001 leading to first deliveries in 2007.