Engines
Manufacturers eye market for larger engines
A titanic battle appears to be shaping up in the 10,000-pound thrust segment of the aero engine market, where there is a need for powerplants to drive the

A titanic battle appears to be shaping up in the 10,000-pound thrust segment of the aero engine market, where there is a need for powerplants to drive the coming super-midsize and large business jets, as well as smaller regional airliners.

At last October’s NBAA convention, four manufacturers joined the segment, in which Snecma is already developing its 10,500-pound Silvercrest turbofan (see story on page 22). The French company is aiming at a mid-2008 launch date for its new engine and plans to enter testing in the fourth quarter of this year.