Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a seven-year support contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to support Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RTM322)-powered NH90 helicopters operated by the German Army (Heer) and German Navy (Marine). This contract will support a total fleet of around 100 NH90 (82 TTH and 18 NTH).
Formerly supported by previous RTM322 program shareholder local subsidiary, engines operated by German Armed Forces are now fully supported by Safran Helicopter Engines. This contract will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for this engine fleet. It will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Germany.
“With this contract, German Army and Navy will benefit from a very effective engine support for their RTM322 engines, especially during their operational tasks,” said a BAAINBw representative. “This contract is the result of a very good and fruitful partnership between us and Safran Helicopter Engines.”
“This contract represent[s] a major milestone in RTM322 support history and we are very proud of the confidence BAAINBw has placed in us,” said Franck Saudo, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP, support and services.”
Safran RTM322 is a 2,100 to 2,600 shaft horsepower engine designed for 10- to 15-ton helicopters. It powers NHIndustries NH90 and Leonardo Helicopters EH101 Merlin, and British Apache. With 1,100 engines delivered, and 1.3 million flying hours already logged, the RTM322 powers 80 percent of the world’s fleet of NH90 helicopters and 60 percent of in-service EH101.
