Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by the U.S. Army to design and develop a dual channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control) for the M250 powered OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business, said: “The dual channel FADEC is an example of how Rolls-Royce is developing core technology to meet the evolving requirements of our customers. This FADEC is part of an overall modernization program that will significantly extend the life of the Kiowa Warrior platform and keep it at the forefront of military reconnaissance missions.”
The dual channel FADEC will draw from the latest commercially-derived Rolls-Royce technology.  The results will include increased functionality, decreased pilot workload and lower cost of operation.
Development work on the FADEC will be carried out in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The M250-C30R/3 engine has powered Bell Helicopter’s Kiowa Warrior since 1997 with over 450 engines delivered to the program to date, accumulating over 900,000 flight hours.  The Kiowa Warrior performs an essential scout and light attack helicopter role in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas, consistently demonstrating high monthly aircraft usage and mission availability rates.