Successful first test of Volvo Aero's GP7000 TEC for the Airbus A380

Volvo Aero's light weight technology has enjoyed yet another success. Commencing in 2007, the company has developed the Turbine Exhaust Case (TEC), a hot load-bearing structure in the GP7000 engine for the Airbus A380.

The case is a fabricated structure and contains technology and various technical solutions developed by Volvo Aero in recent years. The result: a lighter component. The first test piece was delivered to the customer (Pratt & Whitney) in November 2009 and is now being subjected to a series of tests at MTU in Germany.

In 2007, Volvo Aero was given the prestigious task to develop, manufacture and deliver the TEC to be fitted in GP7000 engines for the Airbus A380. Since then, many people at the company have been involved in the project. Delivery of the first test piece was an important milestone for Volvo Aero.

Two test pieces are being delivered to Pratt & Whitney for verification and certification before delivery of production parts begins in 2010.

Pratt & Whitney are testing the first test piece at MTU's test facilities in Germany and this TEC, which was delivered in November this year, has been installed in an engine and subjected to a number of tests. Vibration tests and a thermal survey have been carried out this month with more extensive testing to continue after the Christmas break.

Volvo Aero will deliver the second TEC test piece to Pratt & Whitney in January which is to be tested at P&W's own facilities in East Hartford, USA.

"We are very happy to have developed and delivered hardware for the GP7000 in such a short timescale. This is a success for our efforts in light weight technology which is also better for the environment", comments Thomas Sätmark, Director of Technology at Volvo Aero.