USAF orders engines from Rolls-Royce Deutschland
Will four BR710-family engines power new Bombardier Global 6000s for the USAF?
Rolls-Royce Deutschland is manufacturing, testing, certifying and delivering up to four BR710 A2-20 turbofan engines to the USAF, under a $47 million contract announced on 12 March.
Work will be carried out in Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany, for completion by 30 June 2021.
In addition to the engines, Rolls-Royce Deutschland will provide transportation stands, storage covers and harnesses.
The BR710 is designed to enable operations from ‘hot and high’ airstrips, with sufficient fuel efficiency for long-endurance missions.
Engines in this family power a range of special mission aircraft developed on Bombardier and Gulfstream business jet platforms, according to Shephard Defence Insight. Examples include the Gulfstream G550 CAEW and Bombardier Global 6000, three of which are in service with the German Air Force for VIP transport.
In July 2020, the German Parliament approved procurement of three more Global 6000s for €750 million, to be used for ISR missions.
While the contract announcement did not mention which USAF platforms will be powered by the new engines, it may be significant that the USAF on 5 February announced plans to add six Bombardier Global 6000 regional jet-based aircraft by 2026 to its E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node fleet.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures]()
India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures
Delays, dwindling squadrons and global competition spur belated momentum in airpower procurement.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
