Bangkok--4 Jun--Hill & Knowlton
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, already one of the most extensive in the aerospace industry.
The 500 shaft horsepower (shp) RR500TS shares a high degree of commonality with the RR500 turboprop 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.
Providing power from 300 shp to 7300 shp, Rolls-Royce has one of the broadest ranges of turboshaft engine families available in the world. Rolls-Royce helicopter engines power over 150 civil and military applications in more than 120 nations.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established strong positions in its four global markets - civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.
2. The Group has a broad customer base including more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. With facilities in 50 countries, Rolls-Royce employs 39,000 people worldwide and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
3. Rolls-Royce continues to invest in core technologies, products, people and capabilities with the objective of broadening and strengthening the product portfolio, improving efficiency and enhancing the environmental performance of its products.
4. In 2008, Rolls-Royce invested over ?800 million on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.
Rolls-Royce celebrates 20 years in Thailand
In 2009, Rolls-Royce celebrates its 20th anniversary of business achievement in Thailand. Rolls-Royce is a global business, providing integrated power systems for use on land, at sea and in the air in Thailand for over forty years and has been based in Thailand since 1989. Rolls-Royce has established a strong position in Thailand in the areas of civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base comprising government agencies, commercial airlines, public utilities, pipeline operators and energy customers. Today there are over 300 Rolls-Royce engines in service in Thailand. Rolls-Royce is committed to working in Thailand and supporting the country through investment, innovation and education. In 1996 Rolls-Royce funded an engine test cell for Thai Airways International at Don Muang airport, and continues to support the development of Thai society through on-going corporate social responsibilities programmes. Rolls-Royce is extremely proud of its long association with the Kingdom of Thailand and wishes to continue this partnership for many years.
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