Engine Delivers More Power and Improves Fuel Efficiency and
Reliability
PHOENIX, AUGUST 12, 2009 -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today
that the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) will purchase the Honeywell
55-L-714A engine and spares, valued at approximately $185 million, to retrofit
their fleet of Chinook helicopters.
“Beginning next year, Honeywell will begin fitting U.K. Chinooks with its
upgraded 55-L-714A engine that increases power by 17%, increases maintenance
intervals and reduces fuel consumption by nearly 5 percent,” said Garrett
Mikita, President, Defense & Space, Honeywell Aerospace.
“The T55 has proven itself in the field for 40 years. The robust engine design
and continual investment in improvements have made the T55 a workhorse in
desert operations, where even the most abrasive operating environments of both
sand and heat could easily rob a lesser turbine engine of its ability to
deliver power in critical combat situation.”
Honeywell has delivered more than 5,300 T55 engines. The T55 fleet has
accumulated more than seven million hours of operation around the globe,
powering helicopters in military operations since the 1960s. In addition to the
U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF) Chinooks, the Honeywell T55 engines are on Chinooks
in the U.S. Army, Royal Netherlands Air Force and other fleets worldwide.
“Honeywell and the U.K. MOD have worked together for more than 20 years,” said
Mikita. “We have supported the U.K. MOD’s engine and depot needs since they
acquired a Chinook fleet.”
“The fleet fit 714 upgrade is an essential and very welcome step change in U.K.
Chinook capability,” said Group Captain Andy Taylor, Station Commander at RAF
Odiham. “It will increase the lift capacity of our aircraft in Afghanistan,
broaden safety margins when the aircraft is heavy, reduce operating costs and
equip the aircraft through to its out of service date. Our early appreciation
of what the engine will offer is enormously positive and I am confident that
the proven joint collaboration between RAF Odiham, MOD, Helicopter Engines
Project Team and industry will deliver this vital upgrade in record
time.”
“Chinook is the aircraft of choice in Afghanistan for heavy lift and is
providing a pivotal role in supporting the Front Line,” said Pete Worrall, the
U.K.'s Director of Helicopters. “With the fleet wide introduction of the 714
engine we can now follow the USA's success and gain the advantage of
significantly more lift capacity whilst increasing fuel efficiency."
The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter that primarily
moves troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies
and equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical
evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire
fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction and civil development.
The U.K. MOD will acquire the new helicopter engines in the next five years.
The Royal Air Force will operate the fleet, which will be upgraded by Vector
Aerospace at Fleetlands, Gosport.
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com)
is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving
customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies
for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and
specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are
traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and
information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell’s aerospace business is a leading global
provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for
aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military,
space and airport operations.
This release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address
activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects,
projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions
and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their
perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future
developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The
forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a
number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to
economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our
operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results,
developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such
forward-looking statements.
Media Contact:
Karen Crabtree
Karen.Crabtree@honeywell.com
Honeywell Aerospace Media Center
602-365-5255
