Rolls-Royce and Schweizer aircraft explore RR500 application
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Rolls-Royce and Schweizer Aircraft have extended their original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in March 2007 to include the new RR500 turboshaft engine and potential development program for the Schweizer 434 helicopter. The RR500 turboshaft was launched today at Heli Expo in Anaheim, California.
The new Schweizer 434 (S434) helicopter is a light, single-engine, helicopter aimed at the utility and training markets. The S434 employs a highly efficient four blade rotor system, increased take-off power, improved visibility and superior flight handling characteristics. The development program could run through FAA Certification of the RR500 on the S434 with initial deliveries in 2012.
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business said: “Schweizer has been an important Rolls-Royce customer for years and I’m pleased that we are continuing to develop our relationship.
“The RR500 turboshaft draws on experience gained from the Model 250 program while offering technological advantages, lower cost, more power and increased durability. We feel very confident that the RR500 will serve Schweizer well as it brings the S434 to market.”
The 500 shaft horsepower class RR500 turboshaft is part the Group’s growing family of small gas turbine engines and is the company’s sixth new civil engine program to be launched in the last three years.
Schweizer Aircraft produces several light helicopter models powered by the Model 250, including the civil 333, the unmanned MQ-8B Fire Scout, and the RU-38 fixed wing twin turboprop aircraft.
- Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established strong positions in its four global markets - civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.
- Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading producer of light turbine aircraft engines. Over 30,000 Model 250 engines have been produced with more than half of those currently in service worldwide in a wide range of aircraft types.
- The company has a broad customer base including more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. With facilities in 50 countries, Rolls-Royce employs 39,000 people worldwide and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
- Rolls-Royce continues to invest in core technologies, products, people and capabilities with the objective of broadening and strengthening the product portfolio, improving efficiency and enhancing the environmental performance of its products.
- In 2008, Rolls-Royce invested over £800 million on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.
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