Rolls Royce withdraws from potential Slovakian linkup

Published: 2/21/2000

Rolls Royce has decided not to sign a contract planned for early 2000, on the certification of the DV-2S engine with PovaÏské Strojárne Letecké Motory of northern Slovakia`s PovaÏská Bystrica (PSLM-engineering works). The agreement was supposed to follow the letter of intent, signed on 8th October 1999, covering exclusivity in the development of the DV-2S air engine, which currently powers the AEM/Yak-130 advanced trainer. The letter of intent expired on 20th December and was not renewed, according to reported statements from Paul M. Kaye, Rolls Royce`s Central European Director, on 28th January 2000. Kaye said that high testing and licensing costs were the main reasons for Rolls Royce abandoning the agreement. However, the cloudy structure of PSLM shareholders also contributed to the decision. Rolls Royce spokesman, Gary Atkins, refused to be drawn on the issue of ‘cloudy" structures, but did comment that the company had undertaken a study of the programme under the exploratory agreement and concluded that it did not have sufficient business or technical merit to be taken further. He added that the involvement of the BAe Hawk, with Rolls Royce engines, in the Slovak light fighter competition had no impact on the decision and that Rolls Royce was interested in providing power to a number of advanced trainer aircraft. In fact, earlier reports suggested that the potential deal had been brokered by BAe systems in an effort to improve its local credentials, by offering the struggling Slovak industry offset and potential business from other sources, such as Rolls Royce. Reported to be in poor condition in May of last year, the withdrawal of Rolls Royce has narrowed the engine maker"s options considerably, but there continue to be reports of potential discussions with P&W. PSLM had refused to meet Allied Signal which provides the engine for one of the contenders in the Slovak competition the Aero Vodochody L-159 early last year. For the AEM/Yak-130, the withdrawal of Rolls Royce may strengthen the hand of those proposing a Russian power solution of the 2000 kg thrust Al-55 unveiled in June of 1999 and designed to provide power for both the MiG-AT and the Yak-130. The engine according to report can be fitted with vectoring technology. Associated articles: www.concise.org 26th May 1999;17th June 1999;2nd September 1999

Article ID: 1447