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
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
