In April 2003, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft of Russia chose the SaM146 engine for its new family of Russian Regional Jets (RRJ). During a press conference at the Paris Air Show on June 14, we interviewed Michel Déchelotte, Chief Executive Officer of PowerJet SA, the French operating unit of the French-Russian joint venture in charge of this program.
Where does the SaM146 program stand today?
The latest version of the high-pressure compressor aerodynamic design was successfully tested in January 2005, and will be used on the first engine to test. The core will be tested in autumn 2005. The parts intended for the development engines are now being produced. In addition, Snecma and NPO Saturn signed a final agreement last March, and their joint production company, VolgAero, is now being established in Rybinsk, Russia.
What are PowerJet SA’s missions, and how are they split between the partners?
PowerJet SA is in charge of all SaM146 program management tasks, spanning design, production, marketing and support. Our company is also in charge of receiving certification from the European Safety Aviation Agency (EASA), including validation by Russian authority AviaRegister, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States. In addition, it is in charge of contractual relations with the aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.
On the engine itself, Snecma is in charge of the core, the control systems and the power transmission, along with engine integration and flight testing. NPO Saturn is responsible for components in the low-pressure section, final engine assembly and ground testing.
How would you describe your competitive advantages?
First, we offer a complete propulsion system, by which I mean the engine and its nacelle. Secondly, we provide comprehensive services, based on “Total Power Support”, an extensive range of tailored support services. As for the engine, its advantages speak for themselves: the SaM146 was designed from the ground up to meet regional carrier needs, including a thrust range from 14,000 to 17,500 lb; low total cost of ownership; and compliance with the most stringent environmental standard (CAEP 6). In all of these areas, it leverages the expertise of Snecma, both technologically speaking and in terms of cross-border partnerships. With all of these assets, PowerJet will make a striking entry in the regional aviation market.
Created in July 2004 by Snecma and NPO Saturn, PowerJet is equally owned by its two parents. It has two operating companies, PowerJet SA in France, and PowerJet ZAO in Russia.
Four SAFRAN group companies have major responsibilities on the RRJ: Snecma, through PowerJet, for the engines; Hispano-Suiza for the engine control system; Aircelle is in charge of nacelle production and certification; and Messier-Dowty supplies the landing gear.
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