Rolls-Royce Schweizer Aircraft explore RR300 future

Released on Friday, March 02, 2007

Orlando, FL: Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Schweizer Aircraft to discuss future applications of the new RR300 engine family.

The RR300 turbine engine represents a major step forward in the helicopter industry by providing 300 shaft-horsepower at takeoff, excellent hot and high performance, and outstanding value. The RR300 family delivers Rolls-Royce turbine power in lower shp ranges.

FAA type certification for the RR300 is expected by 2008, with production engines to follow.

Rolls-Royce is the world-leading producer of light turbine helicopter engines. Nearly 30,000 Model 250 series engines have been produced, with approximately 16,000 remaining in service worldwide in a range of aircraft types. Rolls-Royce delivers more than 300 of the venerable Model 250 annually.

Schweizer Aircraft produces several models powered by the Model 250, including the civil 333, the unmanned MQ-8B Fire Scout, and the RU-38 Turboprop.

Rolls-Royce and Schweizer will determine how the new RR300 engine family can be engineered into the company's existing and future helicopter models.

The RR300 family embodies new technology and advanced design methodology. The engine draws on the proven record of other Rolls-Royce turbine engines to deliver a reliable, fuel efficient engine at a competitive price.

Key attributes of the RR300 family include: lower acquisition and operating costs; low-weight, compact design; improved specific fuel consumption; an embedded engine monitoring system; and an optional, through-life, peace-of-mind maintenance program.

Scott Crislip, President Helicopters & Small Gas Turbine Engines for Rolls-Royce, said, "Schweizer has been an important Rolls-Royce customer for years. Discussing new applications for our RR300 engine family represents another step forward in this important relationship. The new Rolls-Royce RR300 engine is a technologically advanced, powerful, cost-efficient and affordable engine. We already have firm orders for hundreds of engines and are excited about future opportunities with Schweizer."