Rolls-Royce Studying Powerplants Options for the Future
Next generation super-lift vehicles that can operate from the battlefield or from short, unpaved airfields will require giant turboshaft engines of up to 15,000 shp — and Rolls-Royce is already studying different powerplant options with a view to entering service in 10 to 15 years time.
“The heavy lift market is very interesting to us,” Kenneth Roberts, evp of market development of helicopter and small gas turbines, told Show News. “We are actively engaged with Bell, Boeing and Lockheed Martin — we’ve probably looked at 20 different concepts” including a four-rotor tiltrotor. The aircraft would meet military requirements beyond the capability of the CH-53X and the European Heavy Transport Helicopter program.
Under consideration are an AE 1107 twin-pack that could be grown to around 13,000 shp, a growth version up to 14,000 shp of the TP400 turboprop that will power the Airbus A400M military transport, and a brand-new centerline engine that could develop 15,000 shp.
Gearboxes should be no problem, Roberts said — after all, Rolls developed the lift fan gearbox for the Joint Strike Fighter that can handle more than 29,000 shp.
“Engineering studies are going on right now, and in many cases we have already tested hardware to validate technologies,” said Roberts. Technical innovations will allow the engine to run more efficiently at higher temperatures, embody a compressor with fewer stages, magnetic bearings, advanced control systems, and more-electric system technologies.
Other significant developments in Rolls’ helicopter empire include:
• A doubling of production to 334 engines this year of the RR250 turboshaft that powers small helicopters such as the Bell 407 and Army’s Kiowa Warrior.
• Studies for a new entry-level turboshaft and turboprop engine as a piston engine replacement. “We have been approached by a number of OEMs; fixed-wing is looking particularly attractive,” according to Roberts.
• A burst of activity on the T800 turboshaft with potential to power up to 1,000 helicopters. “We will respond to half a dozen RFPs this year, and see additional Lynx opportunities with the UK MoD,” as well as in Korea and Japan, Roberts said. “Winning military programs is the key to a commercial version.”
• The potential to power up to 1,500 Black Hawks with the CTS322 turboshaft as the U.S. military decides whether to stick with the GE T600 for its MH-60M and H-60 rebuild programs.
• A commitment to continued growth and development of the RR 250 engine.—John Morris
