Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, will deliver a new Value Improvement Program (VIP) upgrade kit for M250 engines, which power Bell 407 and MD600 helicopters. The upgrade will offer increased power in “hot and high” operations and reduced fuel burn.

During rigorous engine tests, the VIP upgrade kit reduced fuel burn by 2 percent while increasing hot/high engine performance by 5 percent – with no increase in engine weight. The VIP upgrade received certification in late 2011 and will be available to operators in the 1st Quarter of this year.

Greg Fedele, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President, Helicopters, said: “Rolls-Royceleads the way in technology in the light helicopter turbo-shaft industry, and this M250 upgrade is yet another great example. The M250 engine, with reliability gained over 210 Million flight hours, has been continually upgraded and remains the benchmark for the light helicopter industry.”

The upgrade uses advanced technology developed for the Rolls-Royce RR300 and RR500 engines, which include modifications to the engine impeller and diffuser, as well as optimization of the first-stage turbine nozzle. The VIP upgrade kit is simple, low-cost and easily retrofitted at any Rolls-Royce authorized FIRST Network location.

The VIP development program was executed on time, meeting a commitment to customers. Several “lead the fleet” operators have already been identified to install the VIP upgrade to begin reaping fuel and power benefits.