The U.K. Ministry of Defense on Sept. 11 said it has awarded an approximately $580 million contract in a six-year agreement with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca to provide engine maintenance for two of the U.K.’s military helicopter fleets.
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca will deliver essential support for the U.K. Army’s Apaches and the Merlin helicopters used by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne, said: “By improving the way we work with industry to maintain our helicopters with contracts like these, we can keep Apache and Merlin helicopters in the air for longer, which also ensures best value for money, saving for the taxpayer ($474.2 million) over six years compared with the previous support arrangements.
Both the Apaches and the Merlins, which operate around the world and have had extensive service in Afghanistan, are powered by the same RTM322 engines.
By simplifying the supply chain, improving technical support and increasing the availability of spare parts, the new contract will help to reduce the numbers of major repairs needed on the airframes, keeping them in the air for longer, MoD said in a statement.
The work will be carried out at four bases where the Apaches and Merlins operate–RAF Benson, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Army Air Corps airfields at Wattisham and Middle Wallop and at Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca sites in the United Kingdom and France.
Air Commodore Mark Sibley, who is responsible for the maintenance of Apaches and Chinooks, said: “Merlins and Apaches have been used extensively in Afghanistan and are two key capabilities for our Armed Forces. This contract has a number of benefits for our Apache and Merlin crews, principally improving engine availability and reliability, while reducing costs.