Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has signed an agreement to join in the development of PW1100G-JM, a next-generation engine for the A320neo, a single-aisle aircraft that Airbus is developing to be introduced into service from 2015.

MHI will join the group, which includes Japan Aero Engines (JAEC), Pratt & Whitney (P&W), a division of US-based United Technologies and MTU Aero Engines Holding (MTU) of Germany, to jointly develop the PW1100G-JM engine.

Under the agreement, MHI will be responsible for the combustors and diffuser cases which accounts for about 2.3% of the programme.

In the PW1100G-JM engine development, Japan Aero Engines will be responsible for the fans, low-pressure compressors and combustor / diffuser while MTU will be responsible for low pressure turbines.

MTU Aero Engines Holding (MTU) will also jointly develop high-pressure compressors and a portion of engine final assembly and test with P&W.

P&W will develop the remainder of the engine, including high-pressure turbines and system integration.

PW1100G-JM is a geared turbo fan (GTF) engine that uses an advanced gear system allowing the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed from the low-pressure compressor and turbine.

The engine will combine a new gear system, an advanced composite material technology and an advanced core, which is expected to offer greater fuel efficiency, reducing gas emissions and engine noise.

The A320neo is a next-generation single-aisle aircraft launched in December 2010 by Airbus, which introduces next-generation engines to offer fuel savings and improvements towards environmental efficiency.