Total Of Eight Engines Will Be Built For Certification Process

On Tuesday, Snecma announced that it has started ground development tests of the new Silvercrest business jet engine. For testing purposes, the Silvercrest is equipped with a number of sensors recording over 900 different parameters and monitoring both mechanical and thermodynamic performance. The tests are being performed at a test facility in Villaroche, France. The test cell, which is dedicated to the Silvercrest engine, is fitted with state-of-the-art control and monitoring systems.

Three other engines are under construction, with a total of eight engines being used for testing and certification purposes. “The start of tests on the first complete engine culminates several years of intensive work by the program team,” said Laurence Finet, Silvercrest General Manager at Snecma. “Since start of development in 2010, nearly 1,000 engineers and technicians have worked on engine design, manufacture, and assembly. Today’s test is a major milestone for the entire Silvercrest team and the program, and will pave the way for engine certification,” continued Finet.

The Silvercrest engine develops 9,500 to 12,000 pounds of thrust, and is designed for super mid-sized and large long-range business jets. Snecma anticipates offering an on-condition overhaul structure with no fixed intervals, as well as in-flight engine monitoring. The in-flight system will take continuous engine readings during flight and transmit the data to an engineering support center on the ground, which will perform real-time data analysis. Critical information can then be sent to the operator within minutes to help diagnose any problems. The Silvercrest, which features low emissions and FOD-resistant blades, was recently selected by Cessna to power its new Citation Longitude.

FMI: www.snecma.com