Description

The AE 1107's two-shaft axial design consists of a 14-stage compressor followed by an effusion-cooled annular combustor, a two-stage gas generator turbine and a two-stage power turbine. The engine features six rows of variable compressor vanes, dual FADEC, a self-contained oil system that allows for vertical operation, modular construction, and an 'on-condition' maintenance capability.

The AE 1107C-Liberty is a new-generation 6,000shp class turboshaft engine developed as the T406 for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor transport, which is due to enter service with the US Marine Corps and US Air Force. The AE 1107C-Liberty shares a proven common core architecture with the AE 2100 and AE 3007, incorporating high efficiency components and reduced maintenance features required for operation in the unique V-22. When installed in the V-22, the AE 1107C-Liberty powerplants are housed in wing-tip tilting nacelles. The AE 1107C-Liberty is now also being considered as a cost-effective upgrade for existing heavylift helicopter assets such as the CH-47 and CH-53.

Rolls-Royce shipped its 100th AE 1107C-Liberty turboshaft engine for the V-22 program in December 2002, a major milestone in its support of the program. AE 1107C-Liberty engines are provided to the U.S. Military under a commercial procurement agreement and are supported under a commercial Power by the Hour™ agreement. Such agreements have resulted in a Defense Acquisition Executive Certificate of Achievement Award for the V-22 team members.

Following the successful completion of an operational evaluation in 2005, the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey program has now been approved for full rate production, and the type is due to enter operational service in 2007.