Rolls-Royce opening depot for Global Hawk engines

LONDON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- An engine depot services facility used on Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles is being opened at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma by Rolls-Royce.

Funds for the facility, to begin operations in 2015, are being provided by the U.S. Air Force under a $49 million award, the first public-private partnership by Rolls-Royce to provide engine services for the Air Force.

"We look forward to working with the U.S. Air Force to create a new services facility for Rolls-Royce AE 3007H engines at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma," said Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce president of Defense Services. "In creating this facility, we will apply our innovative approach to services, delivering the latest advances in support, tooling and design right to the heart of the customer's operation.

"This is another example of our customer-focused and innovative services for military operators. We tailor a variety of services to meet the needs of our customers -- how they need them and where they need them."

Rolls-Royce said the facility will be created in an existing building and include new support equipment, tooling, work stations, assembly platforms and modification of an existing test cell.