New engine contract for Sea King engines

The Ministry of Defence has awarded Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace a £258 million contract to support the engines on its fleet of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters

The 10-year agreement with Rolls-Royce will provide a guaranteed delivery of the Gnome turboshaft engines for the Sea King fleet and covers engine support including the repair and overhaul of engines, provision of spares as well as delivery to MoD sites. This contract will improve support to a helicopter which is performing a vital role on operations in Afghanistan.

The innovative contract will deliver the required flying hours on our Sea Kings, - on average delivering 20% more flying hours when compared to traditional contractual arrangements - a key measure of helicopter capability.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

"The Sea Kings are an integral part of the UK Support Helicopter Force and are delivering a sterling effort in current operations in Afghanistan as well as in its high profile Search and Rescue tasks within the UK.  This new support contract will help to ensure that the aircraft is always available to carry out the crucial roles with which it is tasked."

The contract will be managed at the MoD's Defence Equipment and Support site at Yeovilton, Somerset and Rolls-Royce Bristol. The work will be carried out at Rolls-Royce facilities in Ansty, Coventry and Germany with subcontractors facilities embedded within the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Pete Worrall, Director General Helicopters in the MOD's Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation, said:

"This innovative contract offers quantifiable benefits in both financial and availability terms for the Sea King fleet. We look forward to continued close working with our industry partner Rolls Royce to deliver a reliable product to the front line"