Launch of powerplant aimed at light training helicopters hinges on internal evaluation
Rolls-Royce is studying a new-generation, low-cost turbine engine for the light training helicopter market and could launch it this year. The engine plan is going through the company's internal approval process and, if sanctioned, could enter service as early as 2007-8, says helicopter and small gas-turbine president Scott Crislip.
Dubbed the Rolls-Royce 300, the engine will build on the heritage of the 250 turbine family, of which 29,000 have been built. Prime targets are possible light turbine helicopters being studied by Enstrom, Robinson and others, thought to include Eurocopter.
"There is a lot of interest in a product of this type, but price will be key to this market – in the training sector particularly," says Crislip. He adds that the envisaged cost of an R-R300-powered helicopter will remain within the $500,000 range of the existing piston-powered machines.
The company emphasises that only "informal" talks have so far been held with helicopter makers, while R-R is studying a range of design and manufacturing initiatives designed to cut both manufacturing and operating costs. "We're going to look at different designs, such as fabricated components that could be cast, as well as different materials," adds Crislip. It will also use a new compressor and will be "designed for cost" with fewer parts and simpler construction.
The engine is aimed at the 300hp (225kW) power bracket, taking it below the 415-710hp operating range of the current 250 models. Crislip says plans are in hand to assemble between 250 and 350 a year for civil applications, not counting additional engines for possible military uses on unmanned air vehicles. "There is also the possibility of a turboprop version beyond that," he adds.
To support development, Crislip says R-R is also evaluating a set of "risk and revenue [sharing partnerships] at the bigger levels in the engine. So we'd maybe look for other people to take responsibility for, say, the gearbox or pieces like that."
At the other end of the power scale, the company is also studying a potential 945hp-rated Rolls-Royce 950 turboshaft, aimed at providing more power for helicopters such as the Bell 407. The engine would compete with recently announced developments from Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
GUY NORRIS/LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
