Rolls-Royce Wins $224 Million Worth Contracts To Support US, Kuwait, Norway Military Planes

Rolls-Royce announced Monday that it has won a series of contracts worth $224 million to supply and maintain aircraft in service with air forces in America, Kuwait and Norway.

Under the arrangements, the Derby-based business will provide design modifications, logistics support, engineering, parts, repairs and field services that mean Rolls’ staff could be maintaining aircraft in war zones.

This practice of seeing civilian engineers working hand on hand with uniformed counterparts in conflict zones is becoming more  common as military budgets shrink and defence chiefs look for savings.

The largest deal, worth $93.5million, is to support the US Navy’s fleet of T-45 training jets at bases in Texas and Mississippi. The aircraft, which are modified versions of BAE System’s Hawk trainer jets, are powered by Rolls’ Adour engines.

The company will also provide logistics support for the US Marines KC-130J transport aircraft. These four-engined planes are equipped with air-to-air tanking equipment that allows them to refuel other aircraft in flight. Under the terms of the $63.5m arrangement, Rolls-Royce will also support similar aircraft in service with Kuwait’s military.

Rolls has also landed $40million funds for “component improvement” and repairs to engines on US C-130 and P-3 maritime patrol and anti-submarine planes.

The engines on Norway’s C-130J planes will also be serviced by Rolls under a five-year contract worth $31million, while the US Coast Guard has also signed a small support deal with Rolls for its C27J planes.