Rolls-Royce RR300 Tops 10,000 Flight Hours as Aftermarket Support Grows Globally

Heli Expo, Dallas, US – The Rolls-Royce RR300 engine has topped 10,000 hours of flight time in the Robinson R66 helicopter, demonstrating continued engine reliability and performance.Robinson has 380 firm global orders for the R66, one of the fastest growing fleets of helicopters in the world, and is working with Rolls-Royce to increase the number of combined aircraft and engine Service Centers to meet global demand. There are currently 13 Rolls-Royce Service Centers in North America, Europe, South America, Japan and the Pacific Rim.

Greg Fedele, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President - Helicopters, said: “The RR300 is an excellent technical match for the R66 and we are very pleased with engine performance, including better than anticipated Specific Fuel Consumption. It is a popular engine in a very popular aircraft.”Kurt Robinson, President of Robinson Helicopters, said, “Robinson is pleased with the positive response to the R66 in the field and believes the R66 with the RR300 engine is proving to be a reliable helicopter with plenty of performance.”

The R66, the only turbine-powered helicopter from Robinson, has achieved FAA certification and is moving toward EASA certification, and Rolls-Royce is working with Robinson to achieve additional global certifications.

The RR300 engine is already in full-rate production, with steady deliveries scheduled in 2012, followed by a ramp-up in engine builds beyond.