CTS800-4N Powers Sikorsky X2 Prototype; Slated For Use In
Future Lynx Helo Fleet
The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine
Company (LHTEC), a 50/50 joint venture between Honeywell and
Rolls-Royce, has achieved European Aviation Safety Agency Type
Certification for the CTS800-4N engine that will power the
UK’s Future Lynx helicopter fleet.
The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered 70 twin-engine Future
Lynx tactical and maritime helicopters from AgustaWestland to meet
the requirements of the Army Air Corps and the Royal Navy. The
first CTS800-4N engine was delivered to AgustaWestland in April
2008.
"Type certification clears the way for aircraft testing and
production deliveries and demonstrates that this engine performs
exactly as it was designed to do, which is excellent news for the
Future Lynx program," said Ken Roberts, President of the
Rolls-Royce Helicopter business and LHTEC board member. "Following
on so closely from the first engine delivery shows that there is
real momentum behind this program."
Ben Driggs, Honeywell Vice President of Marketing and Product
Management and also a LHTEC board member, added: "LHTEC’s
innovation and ability to deliver is evident in the success of the
CTS800, which offers the best performance in its segment."
Due to enter service in 2011, the Future Lynx will replace the
current Lynx fleet and will be powered by two 1,361 shp CTS800-4N
turboshaft engines enabling a cruise speed of 160 knots.
The LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engine is equipped with a
full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), which reduces pilot
workload and facilitates the engine’s on-condition
maintenance program.
The CTS800 also provides the boundary layer control system for
the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian, currently in use by the Japanese
Navy, and is the prototype engine for the Sikorsky X2 Technology
high-speed compound rotorcraft, which made its maiden flight in
August 2008.
Most recently, the CTS800 engine series was selected to power
the AgustaWestland T129 helicopter as part of the Turkish Tactical
Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (ATAK) Program.
LHTEC notes the CTS800 family of engines have accumulated over
35,000 flight hours, and ranges from 1,360 to 1,700 shp. Low engine
removal rates, excellent "hot and high" performance and durable
maritime capabilities with reduced fuel flows were all benchmark
goals for the CTS800.
Future versions of the T800/CTS800 engine include a 1,680 shp
class version being offered for emerging civil and military
applications