Powering the Lynx

The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC), a partnership between

and

, has won a £75 million contract from

to supply the CTS800-4 turboshaft engine for the British Armed Forces' Future Lynx helicopter.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered 70 Future Lynx tactical transport and maritime helicopters from AgustaWestland to meet the requirements of the British Army Air Corps and Royal Navy.

Powering the new Future Lynx will be two 1,361 shaft horsepower CTS800-4 turboshaft engines, offering power improvement over the current Lynx helicopter engine.

The Future Lynx Helicopter is expected to enter service in 2014, replacing the current Lynx helicopter fleet. The CTS800 is also undergoing flying testing with the AgustaWestland A129 attack helicopter.

The LHTEC CTS800-4 turboshaft engine is equipped with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), which reduces pilot workload and facilitates the engine's on-condition maintenance program.

The LHTEC CTS800 also powers applications in Japan, the United States and Europe. These include the boundary layer control system of the ShinMaywa US-1A Kai amphibian, currently in development by the Japanese Navy; and the prototype of the Sikorsky X2 Technology high-speed compound rotorcraft, which is due to make its maiden flight by the end of the year.