Rolls-Royce ADVENT program to proceed

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has selected Rolls-Royce North American Technologies to proceed with the development of an engine system following a milestone achievement.

U.K. company Rolls-Royce says its Indianapolis-based North American Technologies unit has been selected by the Air Force to continue with a phase II development of its Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology, or ADVENT, demonstrator program.

Company officials say the phase II selection follows the successful completion of testing earlier in 2009 of the ADVENT program. The program will now proceed with steps including the "integration of a variety of advanced technologies, component testing and development of a technology demonstrator core and engine," a news release said.

"We are delighted to continue to support the shared vision of creating an ADVENT family of next generation engines that deliver the range and persistence required for 21st century aircraft, including unmanned air systems," Phil Burkholder, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies chief operating officer, said in a statement.