PHOENIX, Ariz., (May 14, 2014) - Seventeen years ago today the Rolls-Royce M250-C47M gas turbine engine received FAA certification (May 14, 1997). The following day, the helicopter it powers, MD Helicopters’ 600N, also received FAA certification.

The 250-C47M engine is very similar to the 250-C47B used in the competing Bell Helicopter 407. Per the FAA’s type certificate data sheet (E1GL):

A member of the Series IV Rolls-Royce M250 family, the 250-C47M is an 808 shaft-horsepower (s.h.p.) engine. The engine is derated to 600 s.h.p for takeoff and 530 s.h.p. for continuous operation in the MD 600N. Like the 250-C47B the C47M engine is equipped with a single channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.

FADEC systems are marketed with multiple benefits including: providing better engine control, reducing pilot workload, improving flight safety, and decreasing maintenance needs.

As a backup to the FADEC system, 250-C47 engines are equipped with a Hydro-pneumatic (hydro-mechanical) fuel control system. When looking at engine specifications the descriptions for these units is often abbreviated as H.M.U. or just HMU.

ASI currently has complete 250-C47 engines and C47 modules in its rental and exchange pool. Engines can be converted between C47B and C47M configurations as required. Please check the ASI Available Rental Engines page (click here) or contact us for more information.

In addition to its pool of 250-C47 engines and modules, ASI provides repair and overhaul services and an on-site test cell that is FADEC capable.

With over 90 MD 600N helicopters delivered since production started and market forecasts predicting another 40 orders over the next 6 years, the 250-C47M engine will see active service for many years to come.