MTR390 Turboshaft Development Programme Update

The MTR390 is a new turboshaft engine being jointly developed by MTU, Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce for the Eurocopter "Tiger" anti-tank and support helicopter. Detailed design started in 1988 after an intense period of parametric studies to optimise the configuration to take best advantage of the latest research and technology demonstrator programmes. The development programme has now progressed to bench testing of engines and rig tests on components. Flight testing is planned to start before the end of this year.