Roll-Royce signs power drive deal

has signed a licensing agreement with

(MST), a company specialising in power dense electric drives, permanent magnet motor systems and power electronics. As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce is also taking a minority shareholding in MST.

Under the agreement, Rolls-Royce will assist in the development of electric drive systems, and provide manufacturing and marketing expertise for customers in aerospace, defence, marine and energy markets, including hybrid electric military vehicles. MST will continue to provide electric drive systems for land based civilian and industrial applications.

Hybrid-electric drive vehicles combine conventional engines and electric motors and can provide benefits such as increased power, improved fuel economy and auxiliary power for electronic systems on-board the vehicle.

Jim Vickerman, managing director of Rolls-Royce Distributed Generation Systems, said, ‘This agreement provides access to leading technologies and brings a useful addition to the electrical capabilities of Rolls-Royce. It complements our existing power generation and distribution capability and recognises the growing importance of electrical systems.’