International Aero Engines V2500

The V2500 is a two-shaft high-bypass turbofan engine which powers the Airbus A320 family (A320, A321, A319 and the Airbus Corporate Jet), and the McDonnell Douglas MD-90.

Development

International Aero Engines is a consortium backed by four aero-engine manufacturers, formed in 1983 to produce the engine. The companies and their responsibilities are:
*Pratt & Whitney - Combustor and high pressure turbine
*Rolls-Royce - high pressure compressor
*Japanese Aero Engines Corporation - Fan and low pressure compressor
*MTU Aero Engines - Low pressure turbine

FAA flight certification for the V2500 was granted in 1988.

The V2500 incorporates technologies developed by the partner company engines such as the Rolls-Royce RB211's hollow wide-chord fan blades and the Pratt & Whitney PW4000's "floatwall" combustor. Technology for the 10 stage high pressure compressor was derived from the Rolls-Royce RC34B research compressor programme, started in the 1960s.

The partners in the Japanese Aero Engines Corporation originally collaborated with Rolls-Royce in the late 1970s to develop the 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust RJ500 for commercial aviation's most successful platform, the Boeing 737-300, but the RJ500 programme was cancelled in the early 80's, after two engines had been rig tested.

In 1982, attention was focused on developing an engine in the 25,000 lbf (111 kN) thrust class for the 150 seater market.The engine was initially called the RJ500-35, but when Pratt & Whitney, MTU and FIAT joined the consortium some time afterwards the engine was renamed the V2500. V denotes the five original partners, whilst 2500 symbolizes the original thrust level of 25,000 lbf (111 kN). FIAT later withdrew from the consortium.

The V2500 is a more advanced engine than the RJ500. The fan is slightly larger in diameter. An additional zero-stage and 3 booster stages behind the fan raise the overall pressure ratio. Because of the higher bypass ratio, there are two extra LP turbine stages, making five in all.

More than 1,300 V2500 powered aircraft (July 2006 - IAE figures) have been delivered, accumulating more than 40 million flight hours. IAE's 135 customers include regional and large international carriers. In 2003 IAE's market share for the A320 soared to 83%, IAE has won a 56% market share since 1998 on this family. For comparison, the CFM56-5 series engines power approximately 1,600 A320 family aircraft (Oct 2006) currently in revenue service with 130 operators, and have accumulated 50 million flight hours and 30 million cycles. The Airbus designator for any aircraft equipped with IAE engines is "3"; eg. A319-131 or A320-232.

The IAE group have not offered an engine for the Airbus A318, leaving the market to the CFM International CFM56 and Pratt & Whitney PW6000.

Variants

V2500-A1

The original version to enter service. It has a reputation in the overhaul industry as being the "more troublesome" of the two, having a larger parts count than the newer A5 variant.

V2533-A5

A fourth booster stage was introduced into the engine basic configuration to increase core flow. This, together with a fan diameter/airflow increase, helped to increase the thrust to 33,000 lbf (147 kN) thrust, to meet the requirements of the larger Airbus A321-200.

Derated versions

A number of derated, Stage 4 noise compliant engines have been produced from the -A5 configuration, including:
* The 23,500 lbf (105 kN) thrust V2524-A5 for the Airbus A319
* The 27,000 lbf thrust "'V2527-A5 for the Airbus A320
* The 28,000 lbf (125 kN) thrust V2528-D5 for the McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30.

V2500Select

On October 10, 2005, IAE announced the launch of the V2500Select with a sale to IndiGo Airlines to power 100 A320 series aircraft. The V2500Select is a combination performance improvement package and aftermarket agreement.

External links

* [http://www.iaenews.com/media/2003-06_Concourse.pdf Concourse Article on the V2500]
* [http://www.v2500.com Home Page of the V2500 series]
* [http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil_aerospace/products/airlines/v2500/default.jsp Rolls Royce V2500 page]
* [http://www.pw.utc.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextrefresh=1&vgnextoid=726ee64a5d7db010VgnVCM1000000881000aRCRD Pratt & Whitney V2500 page]
* [http://www.mtu.de/en/products_services/commercial_mro/programs/v2500/index.html MTU V2500 page]