Avio is a world-wide leader in the aerospace industry and has one of the richest histories in the realm of science and technology of flight. Avio was founded in 1908, only five years after the first flight of the Wright brothers, which represents the aeronautical debut of objects "heavier-than-air".
At present Avio is one of the more important players in aerospace propulsion, with a history of continuous research, development, and improvement of its own products and services. Avio has developed a role as an important subsystems and component maker, participating in major international aeronautical and space programs with a presence in all phases of product life-cycle: from research & development to manufacture and assembly, until service and overhaul.
The company is currently engaged in six sectors of activity.
Aero-derivate turbines for naval and industrial use. Avio has the acquired know-how in the development of LM2500 and LM6000 (General Electric) gas turbines, carries out the design and assembly of complete propulsion modules and supplies the electronic automation systems. LM2500 gas turbines power the Cavour aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy and the new Italian-French Horizon class frigates. Moreover, Avio participates in the powering of the new Italian-French FREMM frigates. This program for the LM2500+G4 gas turbine will deliver 27 modules in the 2009-2018 timeframe. Avio is a technological partner of General Electric for design, development and production of more than 20% of new LMS100 gas turbine generator: the first aero-derivate engine for industrial use providing up to 100 Megawatts. In 2008 Avio and GE signed an agreement for a growth version of the LM6000 gas turbine for industrial use.
Civil Aeronautics Sector. The acquired technological competences in the civil engines sector makes Avio an accredited and reliable partner for the major OEMs (original engine manufacturer) like General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney U.S.A., Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Rolls-Royce. Today Avio is present in all segments of commercial air transportation, from business jets to the regional transport, from the engines for medium and long range large commercial fleets to the new generation engines destined to propel the future long-range and high capacity aircraft families. The most recent programs for which Avio is partnered are the GEnx for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Trent 900 for the Airbus A380 and the SaM146 engine for the Russian aircraft Superjet 100 from Sukhoi.
Defense Sector. Avio participates with "design responsibility" for multiple national and international programs such as the EJ200 engine for European Eurofighter-Typhoon, F124 engine for the Aermacchi M346 European trainer, and the new generation F136 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter. Avio accomplishes integration, certification, and testing of whole engines for the aircraft destined for the national Armed Forces, for which it is the reference OEM. For the new European cargo A400M aircraft, it designed and produces the power transmission for TP400 engine.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities for civil aeronautical, military and aeroderivate engines. Avio launched a new initiative in the sector of military and civil aeronautical engine services with two objectives: to further develop repair of Avio products (modules and components) and to increase the services portfolio for military and dual-use engines and associated support to the Customers.
Space Sector. Avio represents an excellence in the propulsive systems with solid and liquid propellant. Avio contributes 16% of the Ariane 5 European launcher (2 lateral engines and liquid oxygen turbo-pump of the Vulcani cryogenic engine, completely developed by Avio) and participates in the development of strengthened versions of the launcher. Moreover, through the ELV company (70% Avio, 30% ASI), it is the prime contractor of the VEGA European launcher. Avio is engaged in tactical missile propulsion, participating in the main European programs with the most advanced technologies of the sector (i.e. Aster and Aspide).
Helicopters Sector. Avio collaborates with General Electric for supplying of the T700/CT7 engine family for base versions of the Blackhawk, Apache and Cobra helicopters as well as in the strengthened versions destined to EH101 and US101 (Agusta Westland) helicopters, NH90 (NHI) and S92 (Sikorsky). Regarding the CT-8 engine Avio has 40% of share.
