Rolls-Royce selects MTS for new Mechanical Test Operations Centre (MTOC)

MTS Systems Corporation (NASDAQ:MTSC) today announced that it had secured a substantial order in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 for mechanical test equipment, software and consulting from Rolls-Royce, a leading manufacturer of advanced jet engines for civil and defense aerospace applications. The MTS testing solutions will be deployed at the new Rolls-Royce Mechanical Test Operations Centre (MTOC) in Dahlewitz, Germany to gain insight into the behavior of jet engine materials and components under demanding, real world operating conditions.

The MTOC order comprises a variety of single and multiaxial servohydraulic load frames outfitted with MTS grips, high-temperature extensometers and environmental simulation systems, all driven by FlexTest digital controllers and SilentFlo(TM) hydraulic power units and backed by MTS' global service and support organization.

-- MTS Landmark(TM) servohydraulic test systems will be deployed for conducting uniaxial thermomechanical fatigue, high-temperature low cycle fatigue, fracture mechanics and tensile testing.

-- A planar biaxial test system equipped with a high temperature and vacuum environment will provide precision multiaxial force and torque control for subjecting engine turbine materials to complex loading in high stress, elevated temperature environments.

-- MTS TestSuite(TM) software will enable the standardization of test development, execution and reporting capabilities across all test systems and throughout the MTOC lab to facilitate more efficient sharing and analysis of test results.

-- The order also includes laboratory layout consulting, hydraulic distribution systems, and upgrades for several existing servohydraulic and electromechanical test systems.

"We are very pleased to be selected by Rolls-Royce to help ensure the success of their new MTOC facility," said Laura B. Hamilton, CEO, MTS Systems Corporation. "We view this as a great opportunity to demonstrate the value our applications knowledge and real life simulation can bring to complex and demanding aerospace materials development. It is another example of how MTS collaborates closely with customers to deliver innovative, high-performance solutions that meet their complete testing needs now and well into the future."