Rolls-Royce and DMTC sign landmark technology partnership

Rolls-Royce has signed a significant partnership with Australia’s Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) to develop advanced component repair techniques for military engines.

The jointly funded agreement was signed at the Avalon Air Show by Mark Hodge, Chief Executive of the DMTC, and Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce President – Customer Business.

The DMTC is Australia’s first and only Defence Future Capability Technology Centre (DFCTC), combining expertise and resources from defence industries and research providers to develop and deliver superior technologies to Australia’s defence industry.

RMIT University and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation are also partners in the program which will specifically address the development of technologies that enable repair of numerous components in gas turbine engines, including engine blisks.

Blisks are one-piece bladed discs which reduce engine weight while maintaining high engine performance and are used in several of today’s most modern military engines, including the F136 engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The studies will focus on the investigation and development of new surface treatment methods which will save manufacturing time and cost while enhancing component reliability.

Commenting on the agreement, the Hon Jason Clare, MP, Australian Minister for Defence Materiel, said: ”This is an important agreement for the Australian Defence industry.

“Rolls-Royce and RMIT will work together to develop new techniques that can be used to extend the life of Australia’s military aircraft in the future.

“It’s an opportunity to develop our skills and knowledge while increasing the capability of our defence industry.”

DMTC CEO Mark Hodge noted the importance of the agreement to Australian engine repair and through-life support capabilities: “This agreement between Rolls-Royce and DMTC is significant in that it represents a strong partnership between an OEM, the Australian research sector and industry supply chain, which will support key through-life support and sustainment outcomes.”

Dr William Brindley, Rolls-Royce Chief Technologist – Global Repair Technology said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Rolls-Royce is able to contribute world leading technical expertise that will help to foster the development of indigenous high technology engine component repair capability in Australia which could be used on their future F-35 fleet.

"It will also provide Rolls-Royce with access to the highly skilled technical community in Australia.”