Page 11 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2014 Online Magazine

INTERVIEW POWERJET

Excerpts from the interview:

AAA: When PowerJet was formed, from service entry and is a good proof Moskovia, and the delivery of our first
I believe that it was the first time for the credibility of the programme. western customer “Interjet”. Our
in the aero industry that a joint experience in operation has exceeded
team of Western engineers and AAA: PowerJet has come a long way 70,000 flight hours, and we have
Eastern engineers came together since it was created in 2004. How maintained a high dispatch reliability
to produce a state-of-the-art do you view the company today? (more than 99.9%).
engine. How did PowerJet manage Poulain : We are confident in the
to win credibility in the market? programme. Along with the experience of AAA: With the demand for more
Poulain : PowerJet has been built on solid the two parent companies, the SaM146 - regional jets, how is PowerJet
foundations with extensive international Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the most modern projecting the SaM146 engines.
experience and a long-standing mutual combination on the 100-seat class aviation Poulain : The aviation market is set for
trust between the partners. Each market. It can replace larger models on strong growth. It is estimated at around
partner had a large experience in design, thinner routes, or can be used at off-peak 3000 turbofan aircraft in the 91-120
production and support of aircraft engines. hours. So, it has all the assets to meet segment within 20 years. Around 1/3
The SaM146 met all specifications airline requirements right now. could be some SSJ100. Now, and in the
requested at the service entry by coming years, PowerJet stays in line with
the aircraft manufacturer in various AAA: What would you say were SCAC production ramp-up.
environments. After 3 years of the highlights of 2013, and how
commercial operations, the engine has do you see the year ahead? AAA: What is the right way to
demonstrated a dispatch reliability rate Poulain : 2013, saw the entry into service go for future engines?
over 99.9%. So, it is a technical success with yakutia, Sky Aviation, Lao Central, Poulain : The SaM146 engine received its
EASA Type Certificate in June 2010 and
is in compliance with all specifications.
The engine has entered in service in 2011,
only 3 years ago so there is no reason to
modify it so early. A long range version
(1S18), already operated by Gazpromavia,
enables the SSJ100 higher takeoff thrust
(17800 APR) and increases the range to
4,578 km with a full passenger load.
Nevertheless, Research & Technology
and continuous product improvement
are priorities for both PowerJet’s mother
companies. Depending on the market
requirements, the SaM146 could benefit
from future enhancements, using new
technologies currently developed through
Snecma and Saturn R&T programs.
SAM146 SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Twin spool, High-bypass turbofan AAA: What are the short-term and
Length: 86 in (2.2 m) long-term plans of PowerJet?
Diameter: 48.2 in (1.22 m) Poulain : After the successful service
Dry weight: 1,708 kg (3,765 lb) (*) entry, the main focus of PowerJet is to
reduce the production cycle in order to
Performance stay in line with SCAC aircraft production
Maximum thrust: 76.84 kN (17,270 lbf) (*) (Maximum takeoff thrust)
Overall pressure ratio: 23.8:1 and to reach the level of around 100
Bypass ratio: 4.43:1 engines in year 2015.
Specific fuel consumption: 0.374 lb/lbf-hr (Dry) and 0.629 lb/lbf-hr (Cruise) PowerJet’s first priority is the SSJ100
Thrust-to-weight ratio: 5.3:1 program, but we consider any opportunity
in this market.
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