Rolls-Royce and PZL-Swidnik Aircraft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to discuss future applications of the new RR500 engine family. The RR500 turboshaft was launched today at Heli Expo in Anaheim, California.

Rolls-Royce and PZL-Swidnik will work together to determine how the new RR500 engine family can be applied to the company's existing and future helicopter models. PZL-Swidnik currently produces the Model 250-powered SW-4 light, single-engine, multi-purpose helicopter.

Ken Roberts, President Helicopter Engines for Rolls-Royce, said: "We are pleased to be taking our relationship with PZL-Swidnik to a new level as they seek to expand their portfolio of products.

The RR500 turboshaft engine represents a major step forward in the helicopter industry and is ideally suited for customers who are seeking technologically advanced, powerful, cost-efficient and affordable engines. We look forward to extending our partnership with PZL-Swidnik through future RR500 opportunities.."

In addition to offering more power at take-off and in hot-and-high conditions than existing engines in this class, the RR500TS will deliver operational benefits to operators through extended engine overhaul intervals and lower total ownership costs.

The RR500 core is a scaled version of the RR300, which was launched in 2007 to power the Robinson R66. The RR300 was certified in late 2007 and is now in production. FAA type certification for the RR500 is expected in late 2011, with production engines to follow.