Rolls-Royce investing in UK TP400 support capability
The TP400, produced by the Europrop International engine consortium in which Rolls-Royce is a senior partner, powers the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft which has just entered service with the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF).
The investment will fund the provision of facilities to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the TP400 engines (right), training for employees, and the conversion of an existing test-bed to be capable of running the engine while on the ground. This will initially be used to support engines in service with the RAF, but will also be available to support service requirements for other A400M customers.
Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce President Customer Service – Defence, said: “This is great news for both our customers and the Bristol site. This new capability will enable us to ensure that the RAF enjoys the same high level of engine support for its latest aircraft as it does for the other Rolls-Royce powered aircraft in its fleet.
It also ensures that we can maintain military test capability at Bristol into the future.
“We have worked in close partnership with our employees and their representatives to secure this investment in the Bristol site and we thank them for their support.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is the best in Europe, and is second only to the United States across the world. Investments like this from Rolls-Royce will help to keep us there. The projects we are funding through our aerospace industrial strategy will ensure that Britain develops the most efficient and green aircraft of the future.”
