Following the Eurocopter publication, the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca joint-venture is pleased to
announce that the RTM322 engine has contributed to aviation history in achieving a speed
record of 255 knots during level flight, on the Eurocopter twin-engine X3 hybrid helicopter.
The RTM322, a state-of-the-art design & architecture engine family combines power and
growth potential.
The RTM322 01/9a variant powering the X3, is based on the RTM322 01/9 variant powering
the NH90 Helicopter and provides a 6% power increase. It develops a maximum power (all
engines in operation) of 2,541 shp (ISA/ SL condition) and incorporates a FADEC adapted
to the requirements of the X3 demonstrator.
This new record is a further demonstration of the RTM322 engine’s superior adaptability
and flexibility for new platforms and challenges.
Notes to editors The longstanding cooperation between Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca (Safran) began in
May 1965, with the agreement between the British and French governments to build the
Jaguar fighter / trainer aircraft. In November 1965, the partnership was selected to supply
the Adour engine for the Jaguar aircraft.
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RRTM) formally came into existence in May 1966, when a Cooperation
Agreement was signed between the parent companies and RRTM Ltd. was
founded one month later.
The RTM322 turboshaft engine powers the three-engine AgustaWestland EH101Merlin
military helicopter, and two twin-engine military helicopters, the NH Industries NH90 and
the AgustaWestland Apache. The RTM322 has been selected for approximately 60 per
cent of EH101 current fleet, and over 90 per cent of the NH90 fleet.
In April 2013, Safran announced that it entered into a definitive agreement for the
purchase of the Rolls-Royce share of the joint RTM322 helicopter engine programme.
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 62,500 employees and generated sales of 13.6 billion euros in 2012. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.6 billion Euros in 2012. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index.
For more information, www.safran-group.com / Follow @SAFRAN on Twitter
Press contact: Catherine Malek, Press & Social Media Director
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 60 80 28 - catherine.malek@safran.fr
Turbomeca (Safran) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 70,000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Offering the widest range of engines in the world and dedicated to 2,500 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 17 sites, 28 Certified Maintenance Centers, 18 Repair & Overhaul Centers, and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.
