The Rolls-Royce T406 engine delivers precisely 6,000 shaft horsepower (shp). This powerful output is equivalent to 4,470 kilowatts (kW).
Understanding the Rolls-Royce T406 Engine
The Rolls-Royce T406, officially known by its company designation AE 1107, is a state-of-the-art turboshaft engine. It was originally developed by the Allison Engine Company, which has since become a part of Rolls-Royce. This high-performance engine is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern aerospace applications, particularly for tiltrotor aircraft.
Its most notable application is powering the revolutionary Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor. The T406 engine's substantial power is fundamental to the V-22 Osprey's unique operational capabilities, enabling both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and efficient high-speed forward flight.
Key Specifications of the Rolls-Royce T406
The following table summarizes the essential specifications of the Rolls-Royce T406 engine:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Turboshaft |
| Company Designation | AE 1107 |
| Developer | Allison Engine Company (now Rolls-Royce) |
| Power Output (shp) | 6,000 shp |
| Power Output (kW) | 4,470 kW |
| Primary Aircraft | Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey |
Note: Shaft horsepower (shp) measures the power delivered by the rotating shaft of an engine, a standard metric for turboshaft and turboprop engines.
The Significance of Shaft Horsepower in Tiltrotor Design
Shaft horsepower is a crucial measurement for engines like the T406, which transmit power through a rotating shaft to drive propellers, rotors, or other mechanical components. For a sophisticated aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey, the immense power provided by its turboshaft engines is vital for several operational phases:
- Vertical Lift Capabilities: During takeoff and landing in helicopter mode, the engines generate the substantial power required to lift the aircraft vertically using its large proprotors.
- Seamless Flight Transitions: The ability to smoothly shift from vertical to horizontal flight, and vice-versa, relies on the precise and robust power delivery from the engines as the proprotors tilt.
- High-Speed Cruise Performance: In its fixed-wing airplane configuration, the T406 engines provide the necessary thrust for high-speed, long-range missions, highlighting the V-22's remarkable versatility.
The 6,000 shp delivered by each Rolls-Royce T406 engine ensures the V-22 Osprey possesses the required thrust and lift capacities to execute its diverse range of missions effectively, combining the best attributes of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
