TP400
Rising to the challenge
Europrop International (EPI), the European consortium comprising Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP, Spain), MTU Aero Engines (Germany), Rolls-Royce (Britain) and Snecma (France), was selected by Airbus Military Company in May 2003 to provide the engine for the A400M military transport aircraft. The four partners are in charge of the design, development and production of the TP400 turboprop engine.
The TP400 is a triple-spool turboprop developing 11,000 shaft horsepower, making it the most powerful engine of this type in the West. It was purpose-designed for the A400M airlifter, and features proven technologies developed by the four EPI partners on other commercial and military engines. With its giant 8-bladed propeller over 5 meters in diameter, the TP400 is an impressive sight – and a real technical and industrial challenge.
Snecma is responsible for the combustor, the high-pressure turbine and the installation of the engine on the aircraft. We are also in charge of the control system, the accessory gearbox (assigned to fellow Group company Hispano-Suiza), and the lubrication system, made by another Safran company, Techspace Aero.
The Airbus Military A400M program, intended to bolster European defense capabilities, was officially launched with the May 27, 2003 signature of the production contract between EADS and Occar, the joint European defense procurement agency, representing the seven countries participating in this program (Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxembourg).
In May 2011, EPI has received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It is the first large turboprop engine to receive this certification and the first military engine to have been certified to civil standards from the outset.
For further information see the Europrop International website: www.europrop-int.com
