Snecma Announces Silvercrest's First Successful Test Results

(Courcouronnes, France, January 29, 2008) -- Snecma (SAFRAN Group) today announced the first, positive results from its Silvercrest core engine demonstrator test program. To date, the core engine has completed 35 hours of combustion testing, achieving all expected performance objectives.

The test campaign began last December in Snecma's Villaroche, France test facility, on a dedicated rig for core testing. These tests will enable Snecma to validate the design and core performance as well as overall integration. Tests performed as of today have assessed the overall compressor performance as well as combustor performance and HPT efficiency. Tests also checked the overall dynamic behaviour characteristics.

Ignition and initial run reached up to 19,800 rpm, which represents 85% of take-off thrust. Other successful results included: rotor blade dynamic characteristics, high-pressure compressor (HPC) and high pressure turbine (HPT) tip clearances and compressor pressure ratio and stall margins. A total of 660 real time parameters are monitored during the tests. The test campaign is planned to continue until March.

"We committed early 2006 that we would run a core engine end of 2007. We did it and we are seeing outstanding results, fully in line with our expectations. We are very pleased with the success of this first series of tests", said Francois Planaud, Snecma executive vice president, commercial engines. "Snecma is the first engine manufacturer to run a core engine demonstrator to validate a brand new engine concept in this market segment. It marks a major step toward the continuation of this program, and the optimization of the engine design."

Source : Snecma Services

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