Future Lynx Engine Achieves EASA Certification

The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a 50:50 joint venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, has achieved European Aviation Safety Agency Type Certification for the CTS800-4N engine that will power the UK’s Future Lynx helicopter fleet.

The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered 70 twin-engine Future Lynx tactical and maritime helicopters from AgustaWestland to meet the requirements of the Army Air Corps and the Royal Navy. The first CTS800-4N engine was delivered to AgustaWestland in April 2008.

Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter business and LHTEC board member, said: “Type certification clears the way for aircraft testing and production deliveries and demonstrates that this engine performs exactly as it was designed to do, which is excellent news for the Future Lynx program. Following on so closely from the first engine delivery shows that there is real momentum behind this program.”

Ben Driggs, Honeywell Vice President of Marketing and Product Management and LHTEC board member, said: “LHTEC’s innovation and ability to deliver is evident in the success of the CTS800, which offers the best performance in its segment.”

Due to enter service in 2011, the Future Lynx will replace the current Lynx fleet and will be powered by two 1,361 shp CTS800-4N turboshaft engines enabling a cruise speed of 160 knots.

The LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engine is equipped with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), which reduces pilot workload and facilitates the engine’s on-condition maintenance program. The CTS800 also provides the boundary layer control system for the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian, currently in use by the Japanese Navy, and is the prototype engine for the Sikorsky X2 Technology high-speed compound rotorcraft, which made its maiden flight in August 2008.

Most recently, the CTS800 engine series was selected to power the AgustaWestland T129 helicopter as part of the Turkish Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (ATAK) Program. The CTS800 powered T129 is now poised to strongly compete for Attack Helicopter programs around the world.