Description

The MTR390 has a twin-centrifugal compressor driven by a single-stage gas generator turbine. The combustor is reverse flow annular and the two-stage power turbine drives the output shaft through to the front of the engine where drive can be either direct or through a reduction gearbox. Engine control is by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system.

The MTR390 has been developed by a consortium of MTU München of Germany, Turbomeca of France and Rolls-Royce, who came together in 1989 as MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce GmbH. Development of the MTR390 has initially been undertaken to power the Franco-German Eurocopter Tiger anti-tank and escort/support helicopter. 320 engines are already on order for the armed forces of France and Germany, with total requirements exceeding 1000 engines. Tiger deliveries are due to commence in 2003.

In December 2001, Australia became the first export customer for the Tiger/MTR390, ordering 22 aircraft for delivery from 2004. The MTR390 entered production in 2002.

In September 2003, Spain became the second export customer for the Tiger, ordering 24 aircraft for delivery from 2006 and formally becoming a partner in the Tiger program. To meet the needs of the Spanish operating environment, MTR is to develop an enhanced MTR390 variant in partnership with ITP, offering 14 percent additional power. This engine may also be requested by existing Tiger customers.

The MTR390 is suitable for a wide range of civil and military uses in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, both in single and twin-engine installations. The MTR390's main characteristics are its ample emergency power (for one-engine-inoperative safety requirements in helicopters), high output-shaft power capability, low fuel consumption under partial load, good acceleration, easy handling, simple maintenance and low cost of ownership. The MTR390 also benefits from its high-performance FADEC.