Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will participate in the development of PW1100G-JM, a next-generation engine for the A320neo, a single-aisle aircraft which Airbus is developing with the aim of entering into service from 2015. MHI's participation is based on an agreement between Japan Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC) together with Pratt & Whitney (P&W), a division of United Technologies Corporation of the U.S., and MTU Aero Engines Holding AG(MTU) of Germany, which signed on September 16, to jointly develop the PW1100G-JM engine. MHI will be responsible for the combustors and diffuser cases which accounts for about 2.3% of the program. P&W, JAEC and MTU have also been partners in International Aero Engines' (IAE) V2500 program, a project to provide engines for Airbus's best-selling A320 Family. In the latest joint project for PW1100G-JM, JAEC will be responsible for the fans, low-pressure compressors and combustor/diffuser, a 23% share of the program. MTU will handle the low pressure turbines and participate jointly with P&W for the high-pressure compressors and a portion of engine final assembly and test (18%). P&W will take charge of the remainder of the engine, including high pressure turbines and system integration.
The A320neo is a next-generation single-aisle aircraft launched in December 2010 by Airbus, which introduces next-generation engines to provide remarkable fuel savings and enhanced environmental efficiency to the A320 Family. PW1100G-JM is a geared turbo fan (GTF) engine that uses an advanced gear system allowing the engine's fan to operate at a different speed from the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system, an advanced composite material technology, and an all-new advanced core delivers double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and reduction in gas emissions and engine noise.
MHI and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation are currently developing Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets which will offer both top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort. Mitsubishi Aircraft has also decided to adopt GTF engine with a design similar to PW1100G-JM for the MRJ. Going forward MHI endeavors to expand and enhance its commercial aero engine business through continuous investment in engines for the 100- to 229-seat single-aisle aircraft, the largest commercial airplane market.
