Rolls-Royce introduces M250 engine variant for commercial and military helicopters

Rolls-Royce has announced the launch of a new variant of its M250 engine, M250-C47E, which is designed to power commercial and military helicopters.

Designed with a mounting configuration similar to the -C47B/M models, the M250-C47E engine features a value improvement package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC).

Rolls-Royce stated that the M250-C47E improves efficiency and performance, using proven technology that has been already demonstrated in the field.

It offers 8% increase in rated takeoff power to 700 shaft horsepower; 5% improvement in ‘hot and high’ power; and 2% reduction in specific fuel consumption (SFC), which will increase engine reliability, according to the company.

Rolls-Royce Helicopters senior vice president Greg Fedele said the newest evolution of the M250 engine would deliver improved power and reliability with reduced fuel consumption.

"Both commercial and military customers will benefit from these improvements as we continue to evolve the proven legacy of the M250 engine," Fedele added.

The M250-C47E engine variant has been selected by the US Navy to power its Northrop Grumman-built MQ-8C Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV).

Rolls-Royce has delivered a prototype engine to Northrop Grumman for installation onto a demonstrator aircraft for the rapid deployment capability programme.

The company has secured a commercial launch commitment for the engine for powering one new and two current aircraft applications, and it expects a new customer order at the ongoing Heli Expo 2013 event.

To date, more than 31,000 M250 engines have been delivered with the fleet totalling about 223 million flight hours.

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Image: The M250-C47E engine incorporates a value improvement package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.