Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to strengthen support for two key Royal Navy programmes which will enable both parties to work together to deliver on-going support for Rolls-Royce MT30 and WR-21 marine engines.

Alex Zino, executive vice president (business development and future programmes) at Rolls-Royce Defence said: “This important services contract will enable us to adopt a more streamlined approach and transform the way we work with the UK MOD customer. In partnership with the MOD we will use this support package to drive innovation and deliver benefits.

“It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide world class equipment and support for our armed forces customer, so they can focus on their mission.”

The contract which will run until 2026 will improve on-going support for the Rolls-Royce MT30 engines that power the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers. It also covers support of the WR-21 engines that power the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.

In-service with navies around the world, the MT30 gas turbine alternators provide the power needed for the huge aircraft carriers to operate, turning the propellers that drive them through the water at speeds in excess of 25 knots and the other electrical services that enable the ships to operate.

The MT30 marine gas turbine has been specifically designed for 21st century ships. This is important for the QEC programme with a 50-year service life expectancy; a guarantee that the engine will be able to deliver the power demands of tomorrow, as operational requirements increase requiring new equipment and upgrades to weapon and radar systems.