| Designed
from the outset to suit a wide-range of military
and commercial helicopter designs, the digitally-controlled
RTM322 can also be employed in fixed-wing, maritime
and industrial applications. The engine offers
different drive configurations, a choice of three
starting systems, and mission-specific options
including inlet particle separator and infra-red
suppressor. A comprehensive helicopter health
and usage monitoring system (HUMS) is also available,
providing extensive engine self-diagnostic capabilities. |
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The RTM322 first flew in 1986 in a Sikorsky S-70C
airframe. It has since undergone successful US
government-sponsored flight evaluation in a US
Navy SH-60B and has been qualified for the WAH-64
Apache. |
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| The initial production
order for the RTM322 to power UK Navy Merlin HM
Mk1 helicopters was received in 1992 and the type
is now in service. The RTM322 is being supplied
for 22 EH101 HC Mk3 utility helicopters for the
Royal Air Force and 67 GKN Westland WAH-64 Apache
attack helicopters for the UK Army. Rolls-Royce
Turbomeca has also been awarded a Ministry of
Defence tri-service support contract covering
all three RTM322 applications in UK service. |
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| The RTM322 has
been selected by nine nations ordering the European
NH90 maritime and tactical transport helicopter.
This underlines the engine's leading position
for the European medium-size helicopter market.
More than 1000 RTM322 have been ordered or retained
as options, of which over 300 have been delivered. |
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| The engine is
also being promoted as a drop-in upgrade for the
Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk family of aircraft, offering
cost, support and operational benefits. In addition,
the RTM322 is the alternative powerplant for the
Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. |
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View cross-section of the RTM322 |
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Technical
details
The RTM322 is a two-spool engine featuring a three-stage
axial and close-coupled centrifugal compressor
driven by a two-stage gas generator turbine. The
combustion system is a large-volume, reverse-flow
annular type with vaporisers. A two-stage power
turbine drives a coaxial shaft passing through
to the engine front. The engine is controlled
by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control)
system. |
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- Engine is
compatible a wide range of airframes
- First flight was in 1986, in a Sikorsky S-70C
airframe
- First flight of RTM322-powered EH101 was
July 1993
- First flight of RTM322-powered Apache was
May 1998
- Merlin HM Mk1 entered service in December
1998
- Merlin HC Mk3 first flight in December 1998
- Selected in 2000 by three of the four European
nations in the NH90 management agency
for up to 399 helicopters |
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