Snecma Aims New Engine at Bizav Market

French engine manufacturer Snecma has revealed plans to develop a turbofan engine to power business and regional jets. It has started developing a core engine demonstrator called the SM-X that, if a full development program is launched, would yield a powerplant producing between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds of thrust. Ground testing of the core is set for the second half of next year. Snecma executives told AIN that they “will pursue discussions with potential partners in parallel with the core demonstration phase.” At the same time, Snecma is being careful about committing to exactly when the engine will enter the market. “The different development phases for the engine will proceed according to the aircraft manufacturers’ requirements,” a spokesman said. The new engine probably would not be available until 2011 at the earliest.