Rolls-Royce to Develop Engine For Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Production is expected to begin in 2006.

Source: Inside INdiana Business

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Evan Bayh today announced that he helped secure $9 million for Rolls Royce to develop an engine for the upgraded Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial vehicle, which will carry out critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities. The funding was included as part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006, which was approved by the Senate today. The Senate bill will now be reconciled with the House version in conference committee before being sent to the President’s desk for final approval.

“The engine produced by Hoosiers at Rolls-Royce will play a vital role in providing crucial intelligence capabilities to our troops fighting the war on terror,” Senator Bayh said. “The upgraded Global Hawk will be a key asset to our ability to maintain the superiority of our war fighting abilities. At the same time, this funding will create more economic growth and job opportunities right here in Indiana.”

Rolls-Royce will use the $9 million to develop the Rolls-Royce Global Hawk Growth Engine. The Rolls-Royce engine is needed to power an upgraded version of the Global Hawk, a large unmanned aerial vehicle, which will be capable of longer missions at higher altitudes while carrying heavier loads of information gathering equipment than the current model. Production on the upgraded version of the Global Hawk will begin in 2006.

Previously, Senator Bayh secured roughly $100 million for Rolls-Royce/ General Electric's efforts produce an alternative engine for the Joint Strike Fighter, the next generation attack aircraft that will be used jointly by the Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Source: Office of Indiana Senator Evan Bayh (D)