For many years, Avio has worked in partnership with the major players in the aeronautical sector worldwide: from General Electric (GE) to consortia such as Eurojet. These collaborations have allowed us to develop our research capabilities and become leaders in technological innovation, overcoming challenges and embracing international opportunities.
Avio has worked with GE Aviation since the 1960s. The partnership first began as a licensed agreement, which then developed into bespoke projects such as the production of components for aeroderivative and aeronautical turbines, ranging from the LM2500 gas turbine to the new GEnx engine. This is the most innovative engine in service today, used to power Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and 747-8.
The Eurojet Consortium started as a collaboration between Avio, Rolls-Royce and MTU. It began in the late 1960s with the development of the Turbounion RB199 engine powering the Tornado fighter aircraft. The Consortium started work on the development of the Eurojet EJ200 turbofan engine in the early 1980s, and in 1988, the Italian, German, Spanish and British governments gave the formal go ahead to begin the EJ200 engine, which today powers the Eurofighter Typhoon.
EADS - and in particular its subsidiary Astrium - partners with Avio in the space sector, to produce the propulsion system for the Ariane 5 satellite launch vehicle.
Avio and Safran began their collaboration working on the Ariane space launcher. The partnership is still going strong and the two companies recently worked together on the SaM146 engine to power the Russian Superjet 100 aircraft.
Avio began its work with Pratt & Whitney in the mid-1980s, with the motorisation of the PW2037 and PW4000 engines. Avio is currently working on the transmission of the Pure Power® PW1500G engine, a new propulsion system to power Bombardier's CSeries aircraft. The new engine will consume 10% less fuel and reduce pollution and noise emission by 50% compared to current models.
Avio has collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a number of projects, from the Ariane launchers to the new Vega launcher where Avio is the prime contractor through its ELV subsidiary (70% Avio-owned, 30% ASI-owned).
Since the production of engines after the Second World War, the partnership between Avio and Rolls Royce has grown stronger over the years, culminating in the joint production of the EJ200 engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon. Avio also works with Rolls-Royce on a range of other projects, including the Trent 900 engine for the Airbus A380, the largest passenger airliner in the world.
Avio has been a key partner and supplier to the Italian Armed Forces for many years, providing MRO services for aircraft engines and aeroderivative gas turbines. These include the EJ200 engine for the Italian Eurofighter Typhoon and the new LM2500+G4 gas turbine on Italy’s aircraft carrier, the Cavour, and the Italian-French FREMM frigate warship.
Avio has worked with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the PT6-B-536 helicopter engine since the 1980s. Today, thanks to Avio's proven innovation in the field of power transmissions, the two companies also work together on the production of the PW150 engine for Bombardier's Q400 aircraft.
Avio, Rolls-Royce and MTU have worked together since the 1960s. This collaboration led to the design and production of the RB199 engine which powers the Tornado fighter aircraft. Turbounion currently carries out support and maintenance services for this engine.
