Volvo Aero''s lightweight case chosen for Engine Alliance''s GP7000 engine

09 October 2007

Pratt & Whitney has selected Volvo Aero to design and develop a new, lightweight turbine exhaust case (TEC) for the Engine Alliance GP7000 engine for Airbus' new A380 super jumbo jet.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney.

The turbine exhaust case is a highly critical part of an aircraft engine because, among other reasons, it has as an integral feature one of the two support systems that carry the weight of the entire engine. "This is a major success for Volvo Aero''s technology efforts and solid confirmation that we are moving in the right direction with our focus on lightweight designs," said Olof Persson, president, Volvo Aero.

Volvo Aero''s strategy of focusing on lightweight technologies for aircraft engine components has aroused industry curiosity for some time and, when the need arose to redesign the existing component, the company was contacted about an alternative design.

Among other features, the new Volvo Aero design reduces the weight of the TEC by more than 10%, resulting in a substantial benefit in terms of fuel consumption and environmental impact.

An extensive development programme has been established to verify the new design and validate that the new TEC meets the high goals established. Following TEC validation, it is projected that series production of the new TEC for the GP7000 engine could start as early as 2010. At the end of the same year, Volvo Aero would take over full manufacturing responsibility.

"In addition to the sales generated, it is important for us that our efforts to develop our know-how in lightweight technology are bearing fruit," says Olof Persson. "This is important for the future, particularly considering the current environmental debate."