MD 540F armed scout helicopter to be powered by new Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine

MD Helicopters Inc., a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced that it has selected the Rolls-Royce M250-C47E engine to power its MD 540F armed scout helicopter.

"The M250-C47E is decisively matched with the performance capabilities of the MD 540F," said Carl Schopfer, President of MDHI. "This engine will efficiently deliver all the power necessary to achieve hot and high performance, while surpassing the increased payload demands of our weapons platform. Similar to the 540F, this engine has evolved from a mission proven platform and utilizes the latest technology to advance aircraft performance."

The increased useful load capabilities of the MD 540F, will allow the armed version of the aircraft to carry an advanced, lightweight weapons platform with four stations. Various mixes of guns, rockets and missiles will be carried simultaneously. The MD 540F is an upgrade to the popular MD 530F, with bolstered performance to achieve a dramatic increase in max gross take- off weight and useful load capability. The aircraft boasts a 6-bladed, fully articulated rotor blade system made up entirely of composite material, in addition to a more rugged landing skid built for heavier take-off and landing weights.

The M250-C47E takes the outstanding performance of the -C47M and joins it with the Value Improvement Package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The engine design includes a similar mounting configuration to the -C47M models.

The new enhancement will feature a 5 percent improvement in 'hot and high' power as well as Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) reduction throughout the engine operating envelope, and increased engine reliability. In addition to power improvement, the C47E delivers a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption, and a nearly 8 percent increase in rated take-off power at 700 shaft horsepower. The engine will provide the power needed to allow the MD 540F to carry a full avionics and weapons package while hovering at 6,000 feet/95°F.