LONDON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense has contracted Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace to supply engine technologies for the British fleet of Sea King helicopters.
England-based Rolls-Royce was awarded a 10-year contract from the British Ministry of Defense worth approximately $374 million. Under the deal, Rolls-Royce will supply its Gnome turboshaft engines to power the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea King helicopter fleets, the British Ministry of Defense reported.
The 10-year contract also includes provisions for engine support services and spare parts to sustain the Gnome engine for ongoing military operations in Afghanistan.
"The Sea Kings are an integral part of the United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom," Quentin Davies, minister for defense equipment and support, said in a statement.
"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."
