---

Rolls-Royce: RTM322 Completes Overtemperature Qualification Test

15 January 2001

Rolls-Royce: RTM322 Completes Overtemperature Qualification Test for NH90

    LONDON, Jan. 15 A Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9
production standard engine has successfully passed a key qualification
milestone for the NH90 helicopter.
    The overtemperature test -- performed under the authority of Europe's
airworthiness organisation, JAR (E) -- was run at the Rolls-Royce site in
Bristol, England.
    Run at much higher power than standard operation -- representing the
engine's 30-second OEI (one engine inoperative) rating of 2106 kW (2824 shp)
-- the successful completion of this run is an important step towards the
RTM322's certification in the NH90.  The rating is provided for emergency use
by the pilot in the event of an engine failure.
    The RTM322-01/9 was selected in June 2000 to power the NH90 helicopter
fleets of France, Germany and The Netherlands; it will power up to 219 German,
160 French and 20 Dutch NH90 helicopters.  These nations, together with Italy
which has yet to announce its NH90 engine selection, make up the four-nation
NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) group, which is developing and
procuring tactical transport and maritime versions of the NH90 design.
    Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Director Darrell Hinder said:  "The latest test is
required by JAR (E) to clear the unrestricted use of the 30-second OEI power
rating for civil helicopter applications.  Technically demanding and not
normally mandated as part of military engine qualification, it involved
running the test engine continuously for four minutes at its maximum speed and
at a turbine entry temperature more than 80 degrees C above the highest
temperature experienced at 30-second OEI power.
    "The engine performed faultlessly throughout the test."
    This standard of RTM322 had earlier demonstrated -- during a test at
Turbomeca's Bordes facility in France -- that it complied not just with the
specification 30-second OEI power rating but also with any equivalent future
requirement up to 2330kW (3122shp).
    After the most recent test, a strip examination showed the engine to be in
excellent condition and suitable for unrestricted operation.  This confirmed
the confidence RRTM has in the engine fulfilling its commitment to supply six
per cent more power than required by the NH90 specification with no engine
reliability or life implications, while retaining all performance retention
margins at all power ratings including 30-second OEI.
    It also demonstrated the inherent, low-risk power growth potential, which
has established RTM322 as the most flexible powerplant in its class for
current, and future medium sized helicopters.