R-R: Big turboprops could oust jets

摘要

Rolls-Royce is talking up the possibility of a new generation of turboprop-powered aircraft replacing a substantial proportion of today's narrowbody jet fleet. The manufacturer believes that high oil prices are likely to drive airframers to sacrifice cruise speed for economics. "The TP400 engine [for the Airbus A400M military transport] is a very efficient propulsion system," says R-R director engineering and technology, Colin Smith.