Its innovative technologies and processes keep MTU at the forefront of the engine business. The company’s research and development activities make sure MTU will maintain and expand its technological leadership position.
The MTU experts work closely with the three big OEM partners Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, and Rolls-Royce, as well as with all European engine companies, along with universities and research institutes, such as the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
The common goal is to produce quieter, more fuel-thrifty, and cleaner engines that provide maximum operational safety. For air travel to remain the only truly global means of transportation, both economic and ecologic aspects must be front and center in all development efforts.
Research and development at MTU focuses on compressors, turbines, and engine control and monitoring systems. MTU develops new engine modules and components as well as innovative processes that make the development, manufacture, and maintenance of engines more efficient, faster, and more environmentally friendly.
Work on current products
Last fiscal year the spotlight was on three engine programs: the PW6000, the GP7000, and the TP400-D6. The PW6000 was a big success: For the first time in its annals, MTU has developed and built a commercial high-pressure compressor and has thus for the first time manufactured a core component for a commercial engine. The technology for this compressor, which is unique in its class, was developed under the Engine 3E technology program sponsored by the German government, in which MTU has a major role. The high-pressure compressor of the PW6000 is characterized by the highest stage pressure ratio worldwide and has demonstrated its safety and reliability in all flight conditions – even when operating close to the surge limit. In 2005, the PW6000 sucessfully completed the flight test phase on the Airbus A318 and has since been selected by a first customer.
In the GP7000 program, MTU is responsible for the low-pressure turbine and the turbine center frame. The six-stage low-pressure turbine is characterized by particularly high efficiency, low noise level, and low weight – making it a prototype for the engine of the future. The GP7000 provides the power for the mega-Airbus A380. Flight testing of the GP7000 on the Airbus A380 is scheduled to begin in April 2006, and the first four engines have already been delivered to Toulouse.
While the GP7000 and PW6000 have already received certification, approval in the third large development project, the TP400-D6, is planned for the end of 2007. The MTU team’s contribution to the most powerful turboprop engine in the Western world includes the intermediate-pressure compressor, the intermediate-pressure turbine, and the intermediate-pressure shaft. MTU is also collaborating with Snecma on the engine and propeller control system. So far, the first five milestones of the program have been completed. On October 28, 2005, the engine of the A400M military transport successfully completed its first test run at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in Ludwigsfelde and has already achieved the maximum rating.
Also in the military area, a specialized team is working on the further development of the MTR390. The new version of the engine for the Tiger attack-escort helicopter – the MTR390 Enhanced – provides 14% more power. As a result, the combustor and high-pressure turbine from MTU’s workshare are exposed to higher temperatures. New thermal barrier coatings and an optimized cooling system for the turbine are designed to withstand such temperatures. Testing of the engine starts in 2006; the combustor has already been tested successfully this year on MTU’s test rig. The MTR390 Enhanced version is scheduled for approval in the year 2007.
