Japan has selected the Rolls-Royce Turbom«ca RTM322 as the powerplant for its delayed MCH-X helicopter programme, giving fresh impetus to the purchase of 14 AgustaWestland EH101s for the Japan Defence Agency (JDA).
The programme had been delayed repeatedly while the Japanese weighed up the RTM322 against the rival GE T700/6A1. The agreement means that subject to final contract negotiations, the 14-aircraft deal can go ahead. To this point, the JDA has only penned a contract for a single EH101.
GE was teamed with Ishikawajima-harima Heavy Industries, while Rolls-Royce Turbom«ca partnered Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The MCH-X requirement for an initial 14 aircraft and 42 engines spans the next three to five years as the JDA replaces its Sikorsky MH-53E mine countermeasures and S-61 Antarctic support helicopters. AgustaWestland already has a foothold in Japan, with the Tokyo police force operating a single EH101.
The aircraft will be powered by three RTM322 Mk250 engines, similar to those fitted to the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force Merlin HC Mk3 fleet.
The deal is another boost to the Rolls-Royce Turbom«ca alliance with two variants of RTM322-powered EH101s in service with the UK Royal Navy and RAF. The engine also powers the Apache AH Mk1, while Portugal and Denmark have chosen the powerplant for their EH101s.
Selected
Germany, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Sweden and Norway have each selected the engine to power their fleets of NH Industries NH90s.
Meanwhile, opportunities in Japan for both airframe and engine manufacturers look set to increase further, with an expected need to replace more than 60 MHI-built Sikorsky H-60s operated by the Japanese navy and air force for search and rescue missions.
Sikorsky is likely to lobby hard with either new H-60s or derivatives of the H-92 variant of the S-92.
Source: Flight Daily News