Rolls-Royce selects Hamilton Sundstrand as exclusive provider for new small gas turbine FADEC

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has selected Hamilton Sundstrand as the exclusive provider for a new small gas turbine FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system. The FADEC is being developed for use on Rolls-Royce engines under 2000 shaft horsepower (shp).

Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business, said: “This new FADEC will provide our customers with significant benefits, offering a state-of-the-art, flexible and affordable control system for both helicopter and fixed-wing applications. Teaming with Hamilton Sundstrand, a partner with proven and strong core competencies in advanced control systems, ensures we are well placed to meet the needs of a broad range of small engine customers during the coming decades.”

Steve Peery, Vice President of Hamilton Sundstrand’s Engine Systems business, said: “We are eager to begin work on this next-generation FADEC system in this long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce. This FADEC family will be configured for affordability and adaptability, offering differentiation to customers in a growing business segment.”

Rolls-Royce and Hamilton Sundstrand are working together to develop a flexible FADEC design that can be modified to fit multiple Rolls-Royce engines under 2000 shp. This new control system is being designed to meet all applicable civil and military requirements.

Rolls-Royce was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army in October of 2009 to develop a new dual channel FADEC for the Kiowa Warrior helicopter. Rolls-Royce will apply the new FADEC being developed with Hamilton Sundstrand to meet this requirement.

Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established strong positions in its four global markets - civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.
The company has a broad customer base including more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. With facilities in 50 countries, Rolls-Royce employs more than 38,000 people worldwide and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
In 2009, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested $1.4 billion in research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.
Rolls-Royce is the world-leading producer of light turbine engines in the helicopter market. The M250 line has produced over 30,000 engines, more than half of which are still in service with approximately 4,500 operators in 150 nations. The M250 family has accumulated over 200 million flight hours, providing an unmatched level of expertise in every conceivable operational condition.
Rolls-Royce has broadened its small engine range with the introduction of the RR300 and has launched the development of the RR500 turboshaft and turboprop. These new products will meet emerging market requirements in the 300 to 500 shaft horsepower range. Multiple applications have been secured for these new products, and the RR300 has entered serial production as powerplant for the Robinson R66 helicopter.

About Hamilton Sundstrand

Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). With 2009 revenues of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn. Among the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs.

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