Will Supply Powerplants For C-27J Spartan

The recent awarding of the US Army and US Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft contract to a team led by L-3 Communications, Alenia North America, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) should prove to be quite lucrative for Rolls-Royce, as well. The enginemaker announced Tuesday it has been selected as the propulsion system provider for the C-27J.

Rolls-Royce tells ANN the contract, including engines and aftermarket services, will be worth more than $500 million over the life of the JCA program. The twin-engine C-27J Spartan aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce AE 2100D2 turboprop engines.

"Rolls-Royce has a long history as the leading propulsion provider for military transport aircraft and this selection demonstrates our continued success in that segment of the aerospace industry," said Dennis Jarvi, President Defense North America for Rolls-Royce. "These powerplants are among the most sophisticated and high-tech engines in military aviation and will provide the power, flexibility and range our customers require to complete their missions."

The initial contract award includes up to 78 C-27J aircraft and up to 180 engines. The total contract value for the aircraft is more than $2 billion. The Army and Air Force have announced previously they may purchase up to 145 aircraft in the JCA program.

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com, www.c27j.com