Join venture for Europe’s sixth generation fighter engine launched
30th Apr 2021 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines have finalised a collaboration agreement with a 50/50 joint venture.
The new entity, called EUMET (European Military Engine Team), will be based in Munich and will be headed by a Safran-nominated CEO.
EUMET will oversee the development, production and support of the engine to power Next-Generation Fighter (NGF). The joint venture will be the sole contract partner for the participating nations in the engine programme.
Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines say they are looking forward to involving the Spanish company ITP Aero in this challenging engine roadmap. ITP will be contracted as a main partner to EUMET.
Through EUMET, the partners will be developing the technology and demonstrators for a best-in-class engine that will meet the evolving needs of European armed forces.
"The conclusion of this agreement reflects the strong and joint determination of our two companies to engage the technological development phase of the NGF engine," noted Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. "We are looking forward to effectively undertaking this role and accountabilities throughout the program's life, starting with key developments in R&T phase along with integrating the M88 engine into the NGF aircraft demonstrator."
"Establishing a joint company for this next European fighter engine is a further milestone in the close relationship of our companies which lasts already for six decades," commented Michael Schreyögg, chief programme officer of MTU. "This opens the next chapter in European aerospace cooperation and mirrors our equitable partnership. We have set a reliable and solid framework for pragmatic and focused decisions among the partners over the entire life-cycle of the engine."
The agreement will remain effective for the programme’s lifespan. The agreement terms and conditions define each of the partner's industrial responsibilities: Safran Aircraft Engines will lead the engine's overall design and integration, while MTU Aero Engines will lead the engine service activities. ITP Aero will be fully integrated into the design of the engine and develop the low-pressure turbine and the nozzle amongst other items.
Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines will combine their respective skills and expertise according to the "best athlete" principle, within the scope of a balanced and effective governance structure and experts from both companies will jointly address the upcoming development challenges.
ITP joining the program as a main partner of MTU's and Safran Aircraft Engines' new joint venture EUMET will allow an equal workshare between France, Germany and Spain. EUMET will be the soleprime contractor with the nations for all engine activities related to the Next-Generation Fighter, with ITP Aero.
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