The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a partnership between Honeywell and Rolls- Royce, said Thursday the company has won a $140 million contract from AgustaWestland to supply the CTS800-4 turboshaft engine for the British Armed Forces' Future Lynx helicopter.
The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered 70 Future Lynx tactical transport and maritime helicopters from AgustaWestland to meet the requirements of the British Army Air Corps and Royal Navy.
Powering the new Future Lynx will be two 1,361 shaft horsepower CTS800-4 turboshaft engines, offering a significant power improvement over the current Lynx helicopter engine. The CTS800-4 delivers a significant improvement in the helicopter's 'hot and high' performance and coupled with reduced fuel flows, the engine expands the mission capability for the new helicopter.
The Future Lynx Helicopter is expected to enter service in 2014, replacing the current Lynx helicopter fleet. The CTS800 is also currently undergoing flying testing with the AgustaWestland A129 attack helicopter.