The new Singapore Airlines (SIA)/Rolls-Royce engine maintenance joint venture is to open for business in March, following certification by the European Joint Airworthiness Authorities and local authorities.
International Engine Component Overhaul's (IECO) newly completed $15.7 million facility based in Singapore has been designed primarily to support R-R's family of RB.211 and Trent civil turbofan engines, specialising in nozzle guide vane (NGV) and stator repair and overhaul. General manager John Wright says that it is also "looking at the possibility of adding the [R-R Turboméca] Adour engine".
Initial RB.211 work will come from the R-R Aero Engine Services' East Kilbride, Scotland, plant in the UK, while IECO has signed a letter of intent with SIA to provide future support for its rapidly growing number of Trent 800 powerplants.
IECO's business plan is targeting $4 million in NGV sales in 1999, increasing to $10 million in subsequent years, supplemented by $3 million worth of stator work.
Surface treatment work will start at the 4,000m² (43,000ft²) plant with the larger NGVs fitted to the RB.211-524D4 and -524G/H intermediate and low pressure turbine modules, including high temperature brazing and isobaric vapour aluminising. Low pressure and atmospheric plasma spraying capabilities will be added later in the year for coating high-pressure turbine vanes, according to Wright.
Other processes will include Dayton fluoride carbon cleaning to remove oxides, X-ray and non- destructive testing for aerofoil and side surface cracks, repair welding and compound brazing. The refurbishment and repair of high-pressure compressor and intermediate pressure compressor stators will also be offered.
Source: Flight International
