Rolls-Royce announces M250 engine variant

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LAS VEGAS, March 5 (UPI) -- Rolls-Royce has introduced the M250-C47E, an engine variant of its M250, which will be used by U.S. Navy helicopters and others.

The 250-C47E provides a 5 percent improvement in "hot-and-high" power, while increasing takeoff power to 700 shaft horsepower -- nearly an 8 percent improvement.

Specific Fuel Consumption is reduced an average 2 percent by the engine and engine reliability is enhanced, Rolls-Royce said.

"The newest evolution of the M250 engine will deliver improved power and reliability with reduced fuel consumption," said Greg Fedele, Rolls-Royce senior vice president-Helicopters. "Both commercial and military customers will benefit from these improvements as we continue to evolve the proven legacy of the M250 engine."

Rolls-Royce said it has secured a commercial launch commitment for one new and two current aircraft applications. The Navy has committed to buy the engine and will incorporate it into the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout.

The announcement was made at an industry exposition in Las Vegas.