Japan Defense Agency Selects Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322
Bordes, 6th June 2003

Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines have been selected by the Japan Defense Agency (JDA) to power EH Industries’ EH101 helicopters for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Subject to satisfactory contract negotiations the JDA will order up to 14 helicopters. Each of the EH101 aircraft will be powered by three RTM322 Mk250 engines, similar to those fitted to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Merlin HC Mk3 fleet.
Emeric d'Arcimoles, Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca, said: "With its advanced systems and power capabilities, the RTM322 is best able to meet the very demanding maritime environment performance requirements of the Japan Defense Agency."
Stuart Mullan, President - Helicopters for Rolls-Royce, said: "We are delighted that the Japan Defense Agency has chosen the RTM322. Japan is the fourth country and fifth customer to choose the RTM322 for the EH101, highlighting the fact that the RTM322 is the leading powerplant for modern medium-sized helicopters, particularly those operating in a maritime environment."
Two variants of the RTM322-powered EH101 are in operation with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the engine also powers the British Army’s Apache AH Mk1 helicopter. Additionally, Portugal and Denmark have chosen the RTM322 for their EH101 helicopters.
Germany, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Sweden and Norway have also selected the RTM322 to power their NHIndustries’ NH90 fleets.
The RTM322 is produced by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca. Approximately 1,100 RTM322 engines have been ordered for EH101, Apache AH Mk1 and NH90 helicopters. Since 2001, the RTM322 has won every competition that it has entered: it now powers over 75 per cent of all EH101 helicopters ordered and has been selected by over 85 per cent of NH90 customers. The RTM322 is also being offered for a number of additional applications, including the AgustaWestland/Lockheed Martin US101, the Sikorsky S-92 and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk family.
The RTM322 is the only engine qualified for use on the EH101 with a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system. The unmatched ease of operation and fault diagnosis features of the FADEC, coupled with the engine’s operationally proven reliability and maintainability in Royal Navy and Royal Air Force service, have enhanced its reputation as the most effective engine for the EH101.
Notes for editors
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca is jointly owned by Rolls-Royce plc and Turbomeca. Since its formation in 1966, it has developed and produced more than 2,600 Adour turbofan engines for the SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE SYSTEMS Hawk and Mitsubishi T-2/F-1 fleets. In 1983, RRTM began development of the RTM322, which entered service with the Royal Navy in Merlin HM Mk1 in 1998 and the GKN Westland WAH-64 Apache in March 2000. To date orders for more than 1,100 engines have been received.

Bettina Frey

Tel: (33) 5 59 12 55 69
Fax: (33) 5 59 12 52 00
Email: bettina.frey@turbomeca.fr