The CTS800 engine, produced by Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a 50:50 joint venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, has surpassed 50,000 in-service flight hours primarily powering the AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 and ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft.  This significant milestone also includes time achieved while powering first flights on three different helicopter types in 2009.
The CTS800 engine has been selected for the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat and Lynx Mk. 9A helicopter programs, as well as the T129 Turkish ATAK program.  All three CTS800-powered helicopters made successful maiden flights in 2009, meeting demanding program milestones.
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business and LHTEC board member, said: “The CTS800 engine has demonstrated exceptional operational performance, providing reliable power, improved fuel efficiency and excellent hot and high performance required for a variety of applications. Achievement of the 50,000 flight hour milestone gives us confidence that the CTS800 will excel in meeting the needs of our customers for years to come.”
Marc McGowan, Vice President of Honeywell International Defense and Space business, said: “The strength of the CTS800 program was clearly demonstrated in the successful first flights of AgustaWestland’s AW159, Mk.9a and T129 helicopters.  Primary benefits of the CTS800 over previous generation engines are 25 percent lower fuel burn and 35 percent more power for the same weight.”
The CTS800 also provides the boundary layer control system for the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibian aircraft, currently in service with the Japanese Navy. It is also the engine for the Sikorsky X2 high-speed technology development rotorcraft that took its first flight in August 2008.
The CTS800 has been certified by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency.