Talking to SP’s, Eurojet’s team comprising Vice President Sales Paul Herrmann, Executive PR and Political Affairs Jessica Schulte and Director Engineering EJ200 LCA Wolfgang Sterr outlines the EJ200’s bid to power India’s LCA Tejas.

SP’s: Trace the history of your company since inception.

Eurojet: Three companies from the Eurojet consortia were already sharing the RB199 engine development and production for the Tornado aircraft. The consortia were extended by Spain (ITP) when the EJ200 for Typhoon was developed. Eurojet has a contract for over 1,500 engines.

SP’s: At what point did Eurojet enter the race to provide the engine for India’s Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas?

Eurojet: Post 2006 Bangalore Airshow, the first activities have begun. EJ200 was the benchmark in this class of engines at the Aero India Seminar preceding the Airshow.

SP’s: To what extent would the airframe of the LCA have to be modified to accommodate the EJ200?

Eurojet: The LCA only needs minor modifications to fit the EJ200 engine. The changes are in the area of negligible.

SP’s: What are the features of the EJ200 that are unique or special as compared to other engines in this class?

Eurojet: High thrust-to-weight ratio, simple technology, low lifecycle cost and high operational availability are some of its unique attributes.