RTM 322 engines for MRH90

The Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RRTM) RTM322 engine has been selected by the Australian Department of Defence to power its fleet of 12 twin-engine NH90 (local designation MRH90) Additional Trooplift Helicopters.

Australia becomes the tenth NH90 customer to select the RTM322, joining the family of RTM322 NH90 users whose members consist of Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal and Sweden.

As ADM closed for press signature of the prime contracts for acquisition and through life support was expected to take place in late-May or early-June.

Emeric d'Arcimoles, Chairman of RRTM and Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca, said: "This selection clearly demonstrates that NH90 customers favour an engine benefiting from modern technologies in design, performance, construction and maintainability. New engines will be assembled at the facilities of RRTM partner company Turbomeca Australasia. RRTM will also undertake the engine repair activity at Turbomeca Australasia."

Scott Crislip, President of Rolls-Royce Helicopters, added: "This selection by Australia reinforces its position as the world's leading engine in its class today. The RTM322 is at the beginning of its lifecycle and has a very clear growth path for the future. Its combination of reliability, power and growth potential have been significant factors in its success across a range of aircraft."

The RTM322, selected by over 90 per cent of NH90 customers to date, has flown in all five of the prototype versions of the NH90 aircraft. The RTM322 has also been selected for approximately 65 per cent of EH101 orders, the latest customer being the Japan Defense Agency.

Approximately 1,500 RTM322 engines, including orders and options, have been announced for NH90, WAH-64 Apache and EH101 helicopters.