Certification of the Eurodrone engine started
The European procurement authority OCCAR started the certification process for the Eurodrone engine with a kick-off meeting at the main contractor Airbus Defense and Space (ADS) in Hallbergmoos. In addition to representatives of the client and the main contractor, participants included representatives of the Spanish ADS subsidiary as engine integrator, Avio Aero, the Italian engine manufacturer, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as the certification authority and certification experts from the four Eurodrone nations Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
During the meeting, according to OCCAR, the necessary activities for the certification of the Eurodrone engine were discussed and the main milestones on the way to the issuance of the engine's type certificate by EASA were highlighted and analyzed.
The Eurodrone will integrate Avio Aero's Catalyst engine, which is completely ITAR-free and manufactured in Europe. The plan is to obtain full civil certification from EASA.
The Catalyst engine was selected for the Eurodorne in March 2022. (ESUTreported). It is developed and produced at locations in Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
The Catalyst engine is the first turboprop engine in aviation history to be manufactured with 3D printed components, allowing for a lighter and more efficient engine, writes Avio Aero. With an overall pressure ratio of 16:1, the Catalyst offers up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption, ten percent more cruise power and payload and enables three hours more flight time for a typical drone mission compared to today's turboprop engines. The Catalyst's FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) simplifies integration between the propeller, designed and manufactured by German company MT-Propeller, and the avionics.
A total of 120 engines are to be delivered and later serviced during operation. The first flight of the Eurodrone is planned for 2025. Delivery to the troops is scheduled to begin in 2028.
According to the BMVg's 18th armaments report, it is uncertain whether the schedule can be maintained. According to the report, important milestones were not achieved. The Critical Design Review, which is still planned for September 2024, is the first termination milestone of the contract.
Editorial staff / gwh
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