Rolls-Royce M250-C47E to power MD 540F helicopter

The MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD 540F armed scout helicopter will be powered by the Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine under a new agreement announced on 6 March. The advanced M250-C47E engine will increase hot and high power and reduce specific fuel consumption to maximise mission performance.

The M250-C47E engine builds on the advanced performance of the -C47M and adds a Value Improvement Package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The engine design includes a similar mounting configuration to the -C47M models.

According to MDHI, the new enhancement brings a 5 percent improvement in 'hot and high' power as well as specific fuel consumption reduction throughout the engine operating envelope, and increased engine reliability. In addition to power improvement, the C47E delivers a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption, and a nearly 8 percent increase in rated take-off power at 700 shaft horsepower. The engine will provide the power needed to allow the MD 540F to carry a full avionics and weapons package while hovering at 6,000 feet/95 degrees F.

Carl Schopfer, president of MDHI, said: ‘The M250-C47E is decisively matched with the performance capabilities of the MD 540F. This engine will efficiently deliver all the power necessary to achieve hot and high performance, while surpassing the increased payload demands of our weapons platform. Similar to the 540F, this engine has evolved from a mission proven platform and utilises the latest technology to advance aircraft performance.’

The increased useful load capabilities of the MD 540F will allow the armed version of the aircraft to carry an advanced, lightweight weapons platform with four stations; various mixes of guns, rockets and missiles will be carried simultaneously. The MD 540F is an upgrade to the MD 530F, with bolstered performance to achieve an increase in max gross take-off weight and useful load capability. The aircraft features a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material, in addition to a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights.