RTM 322 powers UK Apaches through 100,000 flight hours
The Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 has achieved a significant milestone, logging 100,000 flight hours powering the UK Army Air Corps’ fleet of AgustaWestland Apache helicopters.
The landmark comes almost exactly ten years after the RTM322 was fitted to the Apache for trials. Over 20,000 of these flight hours have been accumulated in the harsh environment of desert operations.
Squadron Leader Jim Press, the project lead for RTM322 within UK MOD said: “The RTM322 is supporting the Apache in delivering an extremely capable effect in the Gulf region, through both its performance and reliability. This has been achieved due to the hard work and dedication of both industry and UK MOD staffs, focussed on delivering a quality product to the front-line.”
John Boughton, Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Board member and Rolls-Royce Director of Customer Business – Defence Aerospace, said: “This is an important milestone for the RTM322.The customer feedback shows that we have an engine which performs well in a harsh operating environment and we are now able to offer customers even more power through a growth version of the engine that is available for the NH90 and EH101 helicopters”
The Apache helicopter has been a pivotal battle-winning air platform for British Forces deployed overseas, supporting British soldiers on the ground and giving essential cover to Chinook and Sea King helicopters in the air. The altitude and heat of the desert has proven to be a very testing environment for the RTM322, but has performed superbly.
The achievements to date of the RTM322 project have been a result of close working relationship between industry and the UK Ministry of Defence.
The Apache, powered by two RTM322 turboshaft engines, entered service with the Army Air Corps in January 2001. Initial operating capability was achieved in October 2004 and, in May 2005, the first of three Army Air Corps regiments of 18 helicopters was declared fully operational. The other two regiments are expected to be fully operational by 2010.