Rolls-Royce AE 2100

Rolls-Royce AE 2100 is a family of high-performance turboprop and turboshaft engines developed for military and commercial aviation. It is a direct descendant of the successful Allison T56 series, incorporating advanced materials science and digital control technology. The engine is renowned for its reliability and power, serving as the prime mover for several key aircraft platforms worldwide.

Development and design

The AE 2100 program was initiated by Allison Engine Company in the late 1980s, building upon the core architecture of the venerable Allison T56. Following the acquisition of Allison Engine Company by Rolls-Royce Holdings in 1995, the engine became a cornerstone of the company's regional and military propulsion portfolio. The design incorporates a two-spool gas turbine layout, featuring a 14-stage axial compressor driven by a two-stage power turbine. Key advancements over its predecessor include the use of single-crystal superalloy blades in the high-pressure turbine and a sophisticated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system from Hamilton Sundstrand. This FADEC system, also used on the AE 1107 for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, provides precise power management and enhanced operational flexibility.

Operational history

The AE 2100 entered service in 1996, powering the Saab 2000 regional turboprop airliner. Its most significant military application commenced with the launch of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, for which the engine was specifically developed as the AE 2100D3. The C-130J's introduction to the United States Air Force and international operators like the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force marked a major success for the powerplant. The engine has demonstrated exceptional reliability in demanding environments, supporting global operations for the United States Department of Defense and allied nations. It also powers the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Variants

* AE 2100A: The initial commercial variant, rated at 3,100 kW (4,200 shp), developed for the Saab 2000. * AE 2100C: A commercial variant used on the Alenia C-27J Spartan military transport, sharing commonality with the D model. * AE 2100D3: The primary military variant, rated at 3,425 kW (4,591 shp), developed for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. It features a Dowty Rotol propeller system. * AE 2100J: A variant developed for the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, where it is used as an auxiliary power unit. * AE 2100D2: A proposed variant for aircraft like the Airbus A400M Atlas, though the Europrop International Europrop TP400 was ultimately selected.

Specifications (AE 2100D3)

* Type: Two-spool turboprop * Length: 2.54 m (100 in) * Diameter: 0.737 m (29 in) * Dry weight: 714 kg (1,574 lb) * Compressor: 14-stage axial compressor * Combustors: Annular * Turbine: 2-stage power turbine * Maximum power output: 3,425 kW (4,591 shp) * Power-to-weight ratio: 4.8 kW/kg (2.9 hp/lb)

Applications

* Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules * Saab 2000 * Alenia C-27J Spartan * ShinMaywa US-2 * Kawasaki P-1 (as APU)

Category:Aircraft engines Category:Rolls-Royce aircraft engines