Wed, Feb 25, 2009
Following previous discussions about the RR500 at Oshkosh 2008,
Rolls-Royce announced its sixth new civil engine program in less
than three years with the introduction of a new turboshaft engine,
the RR500TS. This is a further step in the Group’s strategy
of creating new market opportunities by expanding its portfolio of
engines.
The 500 shaft horsepower (shp) RR500TS shares a high degree of
commonality with the RR500 turboprop (shown below) which was
unveiled at EAA AirVenture in 2008. In addition to offering more
power at take-off and in hot-and-high conditions than existing
engines in this class, the RR500TS will deliver operational
benefits to users through extended engine overhaul intervals and
lower total ownership costs.
The RR500 core is a scaled version of the RR300, which was
launched in 2007 to power the Robinson R66. The RR300 was certified
in late 2007 and is now in production.
Ken Roberts, Rolls-Royce President of the Helicopter Engine
business, said: “The RR500TS is another example of how
Rolls-Royce invests in core technologies that can be used multiple
times across a family of engines. The RR500TS is an important step
forward for the Helicopter business and broadens our product
offering to meet emerging customer needs.”
A newly-commissioned small engine assembly line at the
Rolls-Royce facility in Indianapolis, Indiana was certified by the
Federal Aviation Administration early in 2008 and is assembling and
testing RR300 engines. This state-of-the-art production line is
capable of being used simultaneously for assembly and test of the
RR500.
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