The business aviation market is enjoying very strong growth, driven by sustained demand and the development of new aircraft slated to enter service starting in 2010. Snecma is seeking to establish a position in this booming market, with a new generation of engines branded Silvercrest.
Silvercrest engines will be made in versions developing 9,500 to 12,000 pounds of thrust, to power super mid-size and large business jets, and eventually regional aircraft with 40 to 60 seats.
With Silvercrest, Snecma will give airframers the latest technologies developed for its commercial and military engines, as well as more than 30 years of experience in the commercial aviation market, with the CFM56 family of turbofans.
The engine design has been optimized to meet the evolving expectations of the business aircraft market, especially in terms of higher performance. This new- generation engine will feature a simplified architecture, a reduced parts count for lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel consumption and exceptional climb and cruise thrust - at least 20% better than current engines at comparable weights.
Silvercrest engines will also be environmentally friendly, with low levels of both noise and emissions.
To validate the technologies involved, Snecma launched a core demonstration program early 2006. The core engine demonstrator run on schedule on November 2007 and Snecma completed successfully the Silvercrest test program in less than 4 months. Snecma will continue to develop the program in light of operator requirements.
With the Silvercrest family of state-of-the-art engines, Snecma plans to carve out a spot in this booming market.