Engines
Rolls-Royce Steps Up Campaign to Drive Down Life Cycle Costs
Rolls-Royce is extending the use of new dual channel Fadec and control systems for its helicopter engines.

The never-ending pursuit of reduced life-cycle costs for helicopter operators is inspiring engine maker Rolls-Royce to develop new dual channel Fadec and control systems to replace hydro-mechanical equipment on some legacy turboshafts, which will not only help keep costs low but provide additional health monitoring and data recording capability. These technology upgrades are in early use on the 650- to 715-shp Series IV members of M250 family today with the Boeing AH-6i helicopter and the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Firescout. Recently, Rolls-Royce signed an agreement with MD Helicopters to release the upgraded engine, designated the C47E model, to the MD530F.