Following previous discussions about the RR500 at Oshkosh 2008, 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.

The 500 shaft horsepower (shp) RR500TS shares a high degree of commonality with the RR500 turboprop (shown below) 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.

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com