First RTM 322 engines for Portuguese EH101s delivered

Paris Air Show, 14 June 2003

The first RTM322 engines to power Portugal’s EH101 helicopters have been delivered on schedule to Agusta in Vergiate, Italy, where the EH101s for Portugal are being built. The first Portuguese EH101 is due to start test flights in September 2003, with delivery to the customer next year.

This is the first of more than 80 RTM322 engines for Portugal and Denmark for their EH101s, deliveries of which will continue through to 2005. The first engines for Denmark’s EH101s will be delivered by the end of this month to Westland in Yeovil, United Kingdom, where Denmark’s aircraft are being assembled.

Japan recently became the first non-European country to become an RTM322 customer, having selected the engine to power its EH101 helicopters. Five countries ordered the RTM322 in 2001: in addition to the Portuguese and Danish orders, Finland, Norway and Sweden ordered the engine for their NH90 aircraft, adding to the existing orders from France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The RTM322 is produced by joint venture Rolls-Royce Turbomeca. The engine’s combination of reliability, power and 3,000 plus shp growth potential have been significant factors in its being selected by over 85 per cent of NH90 customers and 75 per cent of all EH101 helicopters ordered. Approximately 1100 RTM322 engines have been ordered for EH101, Apache AH Mk1 and NH90 helicopters.

The RTM322 is also being offered for a number of additional applications, including the AgustaWestland/Lockheed Martin/Bell US101, the Sikorsky S-92 and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk family.

Keith Reid
Tel:: +44.20.7235.3641
email: keith.reid@rrtm-tml.co.uk

Nick Britton
Communications Manager
ROLLS-ROYCE Defence Aerospace
Tel: +44.117.979.5943
Email: nick.britton@rolls-royce.com

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