Rolls-Royce Completes Major Milestones on US Air Force Technology Program

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rolls-Royce has successfully completed both a Conceptual Design Review and a Preliminary Design Review for the Highly Efficient Embedded Turbine Engine (HEETE) technology program for the US Air Force Research Laboratory (USAFRL).

“Efforts will now shift towards the detailed design phase of the HEETE compressor rig program.”

The HEETE technology program is a key element within the US Air Force’s Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE) program that aims to provide game-changing propulsion system capabilities with superior fuel efficiency.

The objective of the HEETE technology program is to develop and demonstrate technologies that enable a substantial reduction in specific fuel consumption for embedded engine applications. Rolls-Royce involvement on the program underscores the company’s commitment to investing in technologies, capabilities and infrastructure that will lead to continuous improvement in the environmental performance of aero engines.

In September 2007, Rolls-Royce was awarded a $19.6 million contract by the USAFRL for work that will be carried out on HEETE. Work on HEETE is taking place at the company’s LibertyWorks research unit in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

“The LibertyWorks HEETE program is performing extremely well to cost and schedule, and delivering to the required goals,” said Phil Burkholder, Chief Operating officer of LibertyWorks. “Efforts will now shift towards the detailed design phase of the HEETE compressor rig program.”

HEETE technologies, including incorporation of an ultra-high pressure ratio compressor and integrated thermal management, will achieve a six-fold improvement in affordable capability. Initial government assessments to quantify the effects of the HEETE technologies show substantial benefits, including: 30 per cent increased range or 50 per cent increased payload / fuel load for future transports; 90 per cent increased loiter time for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Sensorcraft Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); and almost double the radius or loiter time for the notional Navy Combat UAV.

NOTE TO EDITORS

1. In August 2007, Rolls-Royce was awarded a $296 million contract by the US Air Force Research Laboratory for work that will be carried out on ADVENT (Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology), a technology demonstrator program for future US Military aerospace platforms. ADVENT work will focus on the development of variable cycle features that will enable a high-thrust capability and a separate loiter operation with reduced fuel consumption.

2. LibertyWorks™, known officially as Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., has a long history of service to the US military. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, US, LibertyWorks™ - previously known as Allison Advanced Development Co. (AADC) -has contributed technology to the F-35 Lightning II LiftFan and F136 engine; IHPTET (Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology) program; and the RATTLRS supersonic missile.

3. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.

4. Rolls-Royce continues to invest in core technologies, products, people and capabilities with the objective of broadening and strengthening the product and service portfolio, improving efficiency and enhancing the environmental performance of its products. These investments create high barriers to entry.

5. Rolls-Royce is working hard to improve the environmental impact of its products. Each year, in collaboration with its partners, it invests over £800 million on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of reducing the environmental impact of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.

6. Annual sales were £7.4 billion in 2007, of which 55 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book at the end of 2007 stood at £45.9 billion, of which aftermarket services represent 30 per cent, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

For visual material

Please visit the Rolls-Royce Media Room for images and The Newsmarket for broadcast-standard video. If you are a first-time user of The Newsmarket, we encourage you to take a moment to register. If you have any questions about using The Newsmarket, please email Journalist Help.