Rolls-Royce awarded fleet contracts

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has been awarded contract extensions that will see it provide on-going support for engines on the UK’s C-130 Hercules transport (pictured) and VC10 tanker fleets. The contracts are worth almost £100 million to Rolls-Royce. The Hercules Integrated Operational Support contract, which is delivered jointly by Rolls-Royce, Marshall Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, will provide support for the C-130 fleet until 2015.

Rolls-Royce teams in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA provide comprehensive servicing for the AE 2100D3 engine, which powers the C-130J aircraft and the T56 engine on the C-130K.

Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce’s executive vice-president (defence services), said: “This contract is testimony to the standard of service delivered to-date and reflects the value we offer to our customer. We take pride in supporting the RAF’s fleet of C-130s and in our successful partnership with Lockheed Martin, Marshall Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence.

“It is particularly pleasing that we have continued to deliver high levels of aircraft availability at a time when both the C-130 and VC10 have been involved in high-tempo operations. Our innovative approach, which continues to ensure availability for critical operations, has been greatly appreciated by the RAF.” Rolls-Royce has also secured an extension to the contract to provide technical support for Conway engines, which will power the VC10 tanker until it finishes service in 2013. The company provided round-the-clock support for Conway engines that powered the VC10 tanker aircraft during Operation Ellamy in Libya last year.