Rolls-Royce, the UK-headquartered aerospace and defence company, has announced a substantial new contract win with the United States Navy. The agreement, valued at $36.5 million (approximately £29 million), tasks the British firm with providing critical components for the AE 1107C engines that power the CMV-22B Osprey aircraft. This latest development reinforces Rolls-Royce's strong presence within the global defence supply chain and its ongoing relationship with the US military.
The CMV-22B Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft primarily used by the US Navy for carrier onboard delivery (COD) missions, transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment to aircraft carriers at sea. Its unique design, combining the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop aircraft, makes it a vital asset for naval operations. The reliability and performance of its engines are paramount to these critical missions.
This contract is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of Rolls-Royce's long-standing involvement with the Osprey programme. The company has been a key supplier of engines for the V-22 Osprey series, which includes variants used by the US Marine Corps and Air Force, for many years. Securing this new contract for the CMV-22B variant underscores the continued trust placed in Rolls-Royce's engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities by one of the world's most advanced naval forces.
For Rolls-Royce, a company with a significant footprint in Derby and other UK locations, defence contracts like this are crucial for maintaining employment, driving innovation, and ensuring a robust order book. The aerospace and defence sector remains a cornerstone of the UK's manufacturing industry, contributing significantly to the national economy and supporting high-skilled jobs.
The agreement is expected to see Rolls-Royce deliver the specified engine components over the coming years, ensuring the operational readiness of the US Navy's CMV-22B fleet. It highlights the global reach of British engineering and the strategic importance of international defence partnerships.