The Rolls-Royce AE 1107C, also designated T406, is the turboshaft engine used in the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. It belongs to the AE family and supplies shaft power for tiltrotor operation. Rolls-Royce's technical data identifies the AE 1107C-Liberty at 6,150 shp, separately listing higher output for a new application.[1][2]
Gas-generator machinery
The engine uses a fourteen-stage axial compressor, an effusion-cooled annular combustor and a two-stage gas-generator turbine. A separate two-stage power turbine extracts energy for the output system. Six stages of variable compressor vanes help manage the compressor across its operating conditions, and dual full-authority digital engine controls regulate engine operation.[2]
Tiltrotor requirements
The V-22 application requires an engine capable of operating as its installation changes orientation. The AE 1107C therefore has a self-contained oil system designed to permit vertical operation. This is a particularly significant installation feature for a tiltrotor, whose engine nacelles participate in the transition between rotor-supported flight and forward aircraft flight. The manufacturer identifies the Osprey directly in its engine training and support programme.[2][3]
Shared development
The AE 1107C formed part of a broader family strategy spanning military and civil propulsion. Rolls-Royce's programme history identifies its selection for the Marine Corps' V-22 and places it alongside subsequent AE 2100 turboprop and AE 3007 turbofan developments. Common components across the family provided a basis for related engines serving very different aircraft, while the turboshaft retained the systems required by its rotorcraft application.[1]
Maintenance and improvement
The engine is built in modules and maintained on condition, using its assessed state to guide maintenance activity. Rolls-Royce highlights improvements in performance at high ambient temperatures and altitude. Its MissionCare support combines technical assistance, fleet-data analysis and regional support networks, linking the mechanical design with the operational requirement to keep tiltrotor engines available for missions.[2][3]