Following a full and thorough evaluation of the engine manufacturers' proposals, Airbus Military has today announced that the engine selected to power the A400M will be the TP400-D6, to be developed and manufactured by EPI (EuroProp International), a European consortium.

The chosen engine, offered in response to a second RFP (Request for Proposal) issued by Airbus Military in April 2002, is an entirely new design in the ten thousand horsepower category, based on proven technology and incorporating three-shaft civil aero engine architecture. The TP400-D6 fully meets the required specification.

Today’s choice of the TP400-D6 is the result of an exhaustive evaluation of two separate engine proposals submitted by Pratt & Whitney Canada and EPI. EPI is a European joint venture company consisting of Rolls-Royce, Snecma Moteurs, MTU Aero Engines and Industria de Turbopropulsores (ITP), brought together to manage the programme.

"The satisfactory outcome of what has been a complex and demanding evaluation process shows that re-opening the engine competition was the right course of action," said Noel Forgeard, President and CEO of Airbus and Chairman of Airbus Military. "Only by insisting on the highest standards can we guarantee the best solution both technically and commercially."

He added: "I would like to thank both engine manufacturers for their hard work and publicly acknowledge in particular the professionalism and commitment of Pratt & Whitney, that contribute already through its engines to several Airbus civil aircraft programmes."

The TP400-D6 will be the most powerful turbo-prop engine ever produced in the western world and, combined with the aircraft's aerodynamic qualities, will make the A400M the world's fastest new-generation turbo-prop aircraft.

Commitments for 180 A400M military transport aircraft have been received from seven launch customer nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Contract ratification is expected within the next few weeks leading to first deliveries in 2009.

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