MTU Aero Engines has taken an 18-percent share in the PurePower PW1100G-JM engine program which is currently being developed for the emerging Airbus A320neo aircraft family. This has been agreed between MTU, JAEC and Pratt & Whitney, the leading OEM partner company in this program. According to the agreement, MTU will also take on a portion of the final engine assembly and test of the PW1100G - a new role for MTU in a high-volume commercial engine program. "We are very proud to have succeeded in increasing our program share and taking on a major role in engine assembly. Our participation in the geared turbofan engine programs will be a major driver of future growth for MTU", said MTU CEO Egon Behle.

The 18-percent share in the PW1100G-JM program for the A320neo aircraft family is three percent more than the previously agreed shares in the other PurePower engine programs. In addition to the complete low-pressure turbine and the first four stages of the high-pressure compressor (HPC), MTU will provide the brush seals. Also new is a manufacturing portion of HPC nickel blisks. The portion of final engine assembly and test is also included in MTU's increased workshare. Furthermore, both partners have agreed to raise MTU's stake in the PW1500G engine program for Bombardier CSeries aircraft from 15 to 17 percent.

The PW1100G-JM engine, which will power Airbus A320neo family aircraft, delivers up to 146 kN of thrust. To date about 540 engines of that version have been ordered. PurePower family engines help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15 percent each, and cut current perceived noise levels in half. What sets the new GTF propulsion system apart is that it features a reduction gearbox between the fan and the low-pressure turbine. That allows the fan with its large diameter to rotate more slowly and the turbine to run much faster, letting both components operate at their respective optimum speeds.