An RAF Merlin helicopter takes off with an underslung load in Afghanistan ( [Picture: Sergeant Andy Reddy, Crown copyright French helico...
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| An RAF Merlin helicopter takes off with an underslung load in Afghanistan ( [Picture: Sergeant Andy Reddy, Crown copyright |
French helicopter engine maker Turbomeca will support the fleet of RTM 322 turboshaft engines powering the British military AW 101 Merlin and Apache helicopters under an six year contract, worth £367 million with UK Ministry of Defence.
The contract provides the UK MOD with a guaranteed level of availability for its RTM 322 engines. This contract will improve the level of service for frontline operations, increasing engine time ‘on wing’ and reducing repair costs.
The service will be delivered at four main operating bases in the UK - RAF Benson, RNAS Culdrose, AAC Wattisham and AAC Middle Wallop.
Safran acquired Rolls-Royce’s 50% share in their joint RTM 322 helicopter engine programme in Sept 2013. The support and maintenance services to the UK MOD will be provided by Turbomeca UK established in Fareham, Hampshire, United-Kingdom.
RTM 322 engines power Merlin helicopters in service with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy and also the British Army Air Corps’ Apache attack helicopter. The RTM 322 Mk100 engine first entered service in 1999 with the UK Royal Navy (RN) for its fleet of Merlin HM Mk1 helicopters, following an engine competition.
