Domestic and Foreign Trade Position of the United States Aircraft Turbine EngineIndustry. Task Six. Short-Term Gas Turbine Propulsion Analysis and Assessment

摘要

U.S. aircraft engines and parts imports/exports are traced through the 70's and80's, showing a trend that, if continued, will position the U.S. as a net importer of engines and parts by the turn of the century. New engine production between 1970 and 1988 is traced and comparisons made between the U.S. and other western world countries. The U.S. share in engine production eroded from 84% in 1970 to 62% in 1988, while the European Community (E.C.) more than doubled its share (15% to 32%). Changes in market character are reviewed (military/civil segments and coproduction growth). The machine tool industry's rise in Japan and its collapse in the U.S. is reviewed to identify conditions that also may characterize the U.S. engine industry. The U.S., E.C., and Japanese aircraft engine industries are briefly compared to highlight causes for the U.S. erosion and E.C. gain. Conclusions are drawn regarding the U.S. aircraft engine industry's trade position, and recommendations are offered for activity to assure that U.S. engines are produced with superior quality to lower cost than can be achieved by any of its international competitors for the foreseeable future.