Snecma Kicks off Silvercrest Engine Tests

Orlando, FL, October 30, 2012 – Snecma (Safran group) announced today that it has started ground development tests of the new Silvercrest business jet engine.

The first complete Silvercrest engine (First Engine To Test) is instrumented with a number of sensors, recording over 900 different parameters and monitoring the engine's mechanical and thermodynamic performance. The tests are being performed on a test cell at Snecma's Villaroche plant near Paris. Dedicated to the Silvercrest engine, the test cell is fitted with latest-generation control and monitoring systems.

Three other development engines are under construction, and a total of eight engines will be used for testing and certification.

"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 the 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."

The Silvercrest engine develops 9,500 to 12,000 pounds of thrust and is designed for the premium business aircraft market. It will decrease fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 15% and reduce NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions by 50% in relation to current CAEP/6 standards, while reducing noise by 20 dB versus Stage 4 requirements. Based on its design and performance qualities, the Silvercrest engine family is perfectly suited to mid- and high-end business jets in the super-midsize, large and long-range class.

The Silvercrest engine was selected by Cessna in May 2012 to power its new Citation Longitude, expected to enter service in 2017.