Rolls-Royce has been awarded a defense contract worth nearly $19 million to produce up to 100 Infrared Exhaust Suppressors to be fitted to Special Operations Command (SOCOM) MH-47 Chinook helicopters (two per aircraft). The new engine components, are designed to reduce the heat signature of gas turbine engines, diminishing vulnerability to heat-seeking missile attacks. These measures will complement existing defense systems like aircraft flares, and Rolls Royce is looking to expand the use of these suppressors for other military aircraft.
Engineering and program management will be conducted at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, IN and production work through subcontractors in Danville, IL and Brea, CA. The contract runs through May 31, 2007, and was issued by the U.S. Special Operations Command Technology Applications Contracting Office. Corporate release