Rolls-Royce, Honeywell to provide Turkish helicopter engines

ANKARA, Turkey, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Turkish Aerospace Industries has signed an agreement with a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell to procure engines for light utility helicopters.

Under the agreement, the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company, in which Honeywell and Rolls-Royce each have a 50 percent stake, will supply turboshaft engines for the Turkish light utility helicopter program. The helicopters will be used for both military and civilian purposes, according to Defense News.

"LHTEC is committed to working with local Turkish companies to manufacture the CTS800 engine as well as establish a local depot with maintenance and repair capabilities to support these future fleets," LHTEC president Daryl Mastin said.

The CTS800 turboshaft engine already supports the T129 ATAK helicopters currently in service with Turkish land forces, according to Flight Global. The five-ton, twin-engine Turkish Light Utility Helicopter is scheduled for delivery in 2020.