Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed a $598 Million contract with the US Department of Defense for 268 AE 1107C engines for US Marine Corps and Air Force V-22 aircraft.
In the first year, Rolls-Royce will deliver 70 engines valued at $151 Million. The contract includes four additional option years, with deliveries expected to total 268, including spare engines. Rolls-Royce is the sole manufacturer of the engines for the V-22 and has delivered 550 AE 1107C engines to the US Department of Defense.
Patricia O’Connell, Rolls-Royce, President Customer Business – North America, said, “Rolls-Royce continues to be the world leader in tilt-rotor engines and this long-term contract reflects the confidence our customer has in our expertise and our technology. Throughout the length of this contract, we will strive to further improve performance and capability of this unique aircraft.”
The Rolls-Royce turboprop engines help provide the unique capability for the V-22, allowing the tilt-rotor aircraft to take off and land like a helicopter, and to rotate its engines forward to fly like an airplane. The V-22 aircraft can carry more troops, fly faster and has greater range than the helicopters it will replace.
The AE 1107C has amassed over 260,000 engine flight hours.
[mappress] Source: Navaltoday Staff, April 23, 2012;