Rolls-Royce has agreed a $1bn (£604m) deal with Lockheed Martin to deliver 600 engines for the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft.
The British engine maker confirmed the agreement ensures its AE 2100 as the engine of choice for all variants of the C-130J for the next 11 years, and servicing the US government until 2018.
Rolls-Royce also confirmed it will deliver the AE 2100 engines to Lockhead Martin’s Georgia factory in the US, with manufacturing set to take place at another site in Indianapolis.
“This agreement is a very important step in providing our customers the most affordable airlifter in the world,” said Lockheed’s Vice President and General Manager for C-130 Programs George Shultz.
“The C-130J Super Hercules has proven the ‘value of the power’ as the Rolls-Royce AE 2100 propulsion system allows the Super Hercules to perform any mission, anywhere, any time.”
Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce, president defence, added the deal represents a continuation of a longstanding and successful partnership. “Our new engine agreement secures that relationship for years to come, enabling operators to continue to enjoy the versatile, powerful and fuel efficient aircraft they have come to appreciate through 1 million flight hours and counting,” he said.
