Rolls-Royce selected to power Mantis Demo

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Rolls-Royce has been selected to power a new UK Ministry of Defence Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS). The Mantis Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator programme will help inform the UK’s future UAS capability.

Rolls-Royce is working in conjunction with BAE Systems, who are leading the Mantis programme, to lead the development of an Integrated Power System (IPS) which integrates the twin engines and propellers and associated sub-systems. This capitalises on the company’s expertise in the field of turboprop propulsion.

Martin Fausset, Rolls-Royce Managing Director – Defence Aerospace, said: “Our involvement in the Mantis programme demonstrates a significant milestone in the delivery of the Rolls-Royce integrated power capability and further improves our ability to take advantage of the many opportunities that are likely to arise in this exciting market.”

Graham Hopkins, Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering – Defence Aerospace said: “We have moved beyond the basic supply of an engine. Mantis enables us to take the next step towards providing unmanned aircraft with an Integrated Power System that will intelligently combine, optimise and control all the necessary sub-systems to ensure the effective provision of both propulsive and electrical power.”

The Mantis programme provides Rolls-Royce with an entry into the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV sector and represents a further extension of the company’s considerable presence in the Unmanned Air Vehicle market. Rolls-Royce is already playing a key role in providing power systems for strategic UAVs, in the shape of Global Hawk, rotorcraft through Fire Scout, and combat UAV technology through the Taranis and nEUROn demonstrator programmes.

  
Note to editors

Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.

The Group has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. It employs around 38,8000 people worldwide people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries.

Annual sales were £7.4 billion in 2007, of which 55 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book at December 2007 was £45.9 billion, of which aftermarket services represent 30 per cent, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

Rolls-Royce has an installed base of more than 20,000 military engines in service with 160 customers in 103 countries, making it the world's number two defence aero engine company with the largest customer base and over a quarter of the world’s installed military engines.

Rolls-Royce has considerable experience in UAV propulsion. The AE 3007 engine powers the Global Hawk and, at the smaller end of the spectrum, the Northrop Grumman RQ-8 Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing UAV is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Model 250 turboshaft engine. Rolls-Royce is also participating in Taranis, a £124 million UAV technology demonstrator programme, and the ASTRAEA programme to enable the routine use of UAVs in UK airspace. In addition, the Adour Mk951 has been selected for nEUROn, the European UCAV development programme.

The company offers engines in all key market sectors - combat, transport, helicopters, trainers, patrol, maritime and reconnaissance - and is well positioned on a number of new programmes that will deliver products over the next decade and beyond.

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For more information, please contact:

Nick Britton
Rolls-Royce Media Team at Farnborough (July 14-17)
Tel +44 (0) 1252 414731
email: farnboroughmediateam@rolls-royce.com