LHTEC Awarded CTS800 Mk.9T Lynx Upgrade Contract

(February 22, 2009) -- The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a 50:50 joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for CTS800 engines and spares to upgrade UK Army Mk.9T Lynx helicopters.

The contract is for 27 engines over the next two years and is being conducted under an Urgent Operational Requirement, an MOD special provision allowing for the accelerated supply of defense equipment in response to emerging needs.


The CTS800 engine will replace Rolls-Royce Gem engines that currently power the UK Army Lynx. The new engines will deliver an estimated 35 percent more power and 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency to this twin-engine, troop transport helicopter.

Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter business and LHTEC board member, said: "Rolls-Royce has powered Lynx helicopters for more than thirty years. Our Gem engine experience and deep knowledge of customer requirements mean we are ideally placed to carry out this engine upgrade program.

This CTS800 upgrade will provide real benefits to the MoD and other Lynx operators, who are looking to extend the life and capability of current Lynx fleets while adding the power and fuel-efficiency features needed to carry out the important missions these helicopters perform daily in a range of operating environments."

Ben Driggs, Honeywell Vice President of Marketing and Product Management and LHTEC board member, said: "The CTS800 provides our customers with all the benefits of a modern engine that has been tried and tested on other applications. With more than 35,000 hours of flight accrued, the CTS800 engine has established itself as a reliable, fuel-efficient powerplant. The UK Army's Lynx platform will significantly benefit from the versatility and power of the CTS800."

Source : Rolls-Royce Plc (LSE: RR.L)