Turbomeca opens its new facility in Australia

Turbomeca Australasia inaugurated its newly expanded facilities at Bankstwon Airport, close to Sydney, on 3 September. The new facility will help to meet the growing demand for Turbomeca engines in Australia, New Zealand and nearby countries.

The new facility adds 1,300 sq metres of office space, additional workshops, a new assembly hall and a state-of-the-art RTM 322 test cell. Turbomeca will now be able to assemble, test and support its 92 RTM 322 and 46 MTR390 engines, powering the MRH90 and Tiger ARH helicopters respectively, for the next 30 years.

Turbomeca Australasia is a unique turbo-shaft engine production and support capability in the region. It is 12 years old and serves as a turbo support centre for Arrius, Arriel and Makila engines and a repair centre for Arriel 1 series engines. It has over 100 employees who provide support to more than 150 operators and 400 engines distributed throughout Australia, New Zealand and all the surrounding islands.

Turbomeca has 46 per cent of the civil helicopter engine market in the region, which goes up to 60 per cent if only new engines are counted. As much as 70 per cent of Turbomeca Australia's sales are exports. It is the first qualified repair centre approved for MTR390 repairs anywhere in the world.

The initial 22 Tiger ARH helicopters ordered by Australia are beginning to enter service, for which Turbomeca Australasia has delivered the new MTR390 turbo-shaft engines, produced in collaboration between MTU, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca.

Australia also purchased 46 MRH90 helicopters (a local version of the NH90). Turbomeca Australasia will assemble RTM322 engines using parts shipped from Europe. It will carry out ground tests prior to delivery, and provide MRO services for the engines. Delivery of the first engine is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2007. The RTM322 is produced by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Ltd, a joint venture between Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce.