Italian company Avio, world leader in aerospace propulsion, has signed a contract with Russian company NPO Saturn for the supply of two transmission components (Inlet Gearbox and Radial Drive Shaft) for the SaM146 engine of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, designed and produced by the PowerJet consortium (Snecma and NPO Saturn).

Avio is already in charge of the design and manufacture of the cinematic geartrain of the accessory gearbox and the combustion chamber for a share of around 10%.

The contract is worth over €13 million. It is the first aeronautical production contract that Avio has entered into directly with a Russian company; this is a step forward in a market that promises strong development prospects in the near future.

The SaM146 engine was recently certified after more than 7,000 flight-test hours and is now ready to enter into service. The SaM146 has been confirmed as an engine of high performance and reliability, with strong environmentally friendly characteristics thanks to the combustor, produced by Avio, and characterised by the most advanced cutting-edge technologies for the reduction of consumption and polluting emissions.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is expected to enter into service by the end of 2010.