Rolls-Royce has announced the delivery of its 500th AE 2100D turboprop engine, the sole power source for the Lockheed Martin C-130J and Lockheed/Alenia C-27J tactical airlifters. "Rolls-Royce has been the world leader in military turboprop transport propulsion for 50 years," Steven F. Dwyer, President, Defense North America, Rolls-Royce, said. "The AE 2100D continues to exhibit the best practices and highest levels of performance and quality first displayed by our T56 engine."

The AE 2100, a turboprop derivative of the AE 1107 turboshaft engine, was developed to power the new generation of high-speed regional aircraft, military transports and long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Operators benefit from the 80 percent parts commonality among the AE common core engine family, which also includes the AE 3007 turbofan. The AE 2100D powers the C-130Js of the U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force, U.S. Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and U.S. Marine Corps. In addition, C 130Js are being delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard and are on order for the Royal Danish Air Force. The Italian Air Force and Greek Armed Forces have selected the C-27J. More than 2,000 total AE common core engines have been delivered to date, and more than 50 AE 2100D engines are scheduled to be delivered this year.

Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base consisting of more than 500 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces and more than 2,000 marine customers, including 50 navies. The company has energy customers in nearly 120 countries. Rolls-Royce employs around 38,000 people worldwide, including 23,500 in the UK, 5,000 in the rest of Europe and 8,000 in North America. Most of the engines in service will have operational lives of 25 years or more, generating an assured aftermarket demand for the provision of spare parts and services.

FMI: http://www.rolls-royce.com