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MTR390: Powering the Tiger

A turboshaft engine featuring a free power turbine, the MTR390 powers the Tiger support helicopter co-developed by France and Germany. The production engines for the 2C (basic) version were delivered between 2002 and mid-2010—242 units for the Franco-German Tiger program and 51 for the Australian ARH program. In 2011, in collaboration with ITP Aero in Spain, an enhanced version of the engine (the MTR390-E) was developed that delivers 14 percent more power.
 

MTU’s involvement in the MTR390

MTU developed the MTR390 in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines and Rolls-Royce. MTU’s workshare in the E version includes the combustor and high-pressure turbine as well as controller hardware complete with operating system. In addition, the assembly line for all MTR390-E production engines is located at MTU Aero Engines in Munich.

 

Facts

  • EIS: MTR390-2C: 2004
  • EIS: MTR390-E: 2013
  • The MTR390 is a turboshaft engine with two power variants: MTR390-2C with maximum power of 1,285 shp; MTR390-E with maximum power of 1,467 shp
  • Free power turbine
  • Modular design
  • Digital control & monitoring system
  • On-condition maintenance

MTU competencies

Program share MTR390-2C: 40%

  • Development and manufacture of combustor, high-pressure turbine and turbine center frame 
  • Engine monitoring
  • Engine testing
  • Maintenance as part of the cooperation with the German Armed Forces at MTU Aero Engines in Munich/Erding
  • Technical-logistical support

Program share MTR390-E: 31%
 

  • Development and manufacture of combustor, high-pressure turbine, engine control and monitoring unit ECMU
  • Engine monitoring
  • Engine testing 
  • Assembly of all production engines (MTR390-E) at MTU Aero Engines in Munich 
  • Maintenance as part of the cooperation with the German Armed Forces at MTU Aero Engines in Munich/Erding
  • Technical-logistical support

Partners

  • Rolls-Royce
  • Safran Helicopter Engines
  • ITP Aero (only -E)

Application

  • Airbus Helicopters Tiger

Technical Data

 MTR390-C2MTR390-E
Take-off power1,285 shp1,467 shp
Max. continuous power1,170 shp1,341 shp
Pressure ratio at take-off 13:114:1
Length/Height/Width3.6/2/1.3 ft3.6/2/1.3 ft
Weight372 lbs395 lbs
© Andy Ridder, MTU Aero Engines AG Standort Erding
(c) Andy Ridder, MTU Service / Logistik

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