The first Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engine to be assembled by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) was today delivered to representatives of Japan’s Defense Agency and Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in a ceremony held in Akashi, Japan.
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RRTM) has granted KHI a license to assemble, test, repair and overhaul RTM322 engines for the JMSDF’s EH101 helicopter programme. In addition, the aerospace division of KHI will also be assembling EH101 aircraft in Japan.
An initial EH101, powered by three 2,270 shp RTM322 Mk250s assembled by RRTM, was delivered to Japan earlier this year for systems integration ahead of delivery to the JMSDF in 2006.
Emeric d’Arcimoles, Director of RRTM, said: “We would like to congratulate KHI on the achievement of this important milestone. Through KHI, Japanese industry is playing a crucial role in one of the most successful modern helicopter engines.”
Glyn Hill, the RRTM Liaison Manager based at KHI, said: “Today marks the culmination of two year’s effort from the teams at RRTM and KHI to establish a world-class engine assembly and test facility at Akashi. This has been an excellent partnership that bodes well for the future operation of the RTM322 engine in Japan.”
Japan is the fifth customer to choose the RTM322 for the EH101, highlighting the fact that the RTM322 is the leading powerplant for modern medium-sized helicopters, particularly those operating in a maritime environment.
Two variants of the RTM322-powered EH101 are in operation with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the engine also powers the British Army’s Apache AH Mk1 helicopter. Additionally, Portugal and Denmark have chosen the RTM322 for their EH101 helicopters.
Approximately 1,500 RTM322 engines, including orders and options, have been announced for NH90, AH-64 Mk1 Apache and EH101 helicopters.
