Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine to power new Bell 407GXi helicopter

The Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine has been selected to power the new Bell 407GXi helicopter, providing enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload, plus increased reliability and maintainability. The new engine will offer additional capability and lower maintenance costs for the iconic Bell rotorcraft.

The new engine agreement continues a long-standing relationship between Rolls-Royce and Bell, which goes back more than 50 years.

The new engine, designated the M250-C47E/4, includes the Rolls-Royce Value Improvement Package (VIP) as production standard technology, already proven in the field with up to 8 percent improvement in ‘hot and high’ power and 2% reduction in Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) – enabling increased range and payload. The new M250-C47E/4 engine provides customers with a modern, state-of-the-art, dual channel FADEC controls system, offering enhanced safety and data recording capability.

Jason Propes, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President Helicopters and Light Turboprop Engines, said, “The new M250-C47E/4 optimizes fuel economy while increasing performance, providing the power and innovation needed for the new Bell 407GXi. The new dual FADEC offers enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload, while lowering direct operating costs. We are thrilled to be continuing our long partnership with Bell and look forward to supporting this exciting new aircraft for years to come.”

The new M250-C47E/4 has already received an FAA Type Certificate. The original M250-C47E model powers the US Navy’s Fire Scout MQ-8C rotorcraft, an unmanned, adapted variant of the Bell 407 aircraft.

The Rolls-Royce M250 is one of the most successful rotorcraft engine lines in aviation history, with a legacy proven in more 250 million hours of operation. The M250 line has been continually improved with new innovations, leading to better performance and fuel economy for operators. Nearly 33,000 M250 engines have been delivered, with approximately 16,000 in operation around the world.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

  1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
  2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 4,000 marine customers including 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
  3. Annual underlying revenue was £13.8 billion in 2016, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services. The firm and announced order book stood at £82.7 billion at the end of June 2017.
  4. In 2016, Rolls-Royce invested £1.3 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 31 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.
  5. Rolls-Royce employs almost 50,000 people in 50 countries. More than 16,500 of these are engineers.
  6. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills. In 2016 we recruited 274 graduates and 327 apprentices through our worldwide training programmes.

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