Rolls-Royce Opens First-Ever Defense Operations Center in US

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened its first-ever US Defense Operations Center in Indianapolis to enhance service and technical support for US defense customers.

The Defense Operations Center will provide round-the-clock response for customers in the field to speed support and technical assistance for engine-related issues.

Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce, President – Defence Services, said, “Our military customers in the field need a fast, effective response they can rely on when issues arise. At Rolls-Royce, we know this response is crucial to ensure they can execute their missions, and return home safely. Our new Defense Operations Center demonstrates that we are continually focused on our customers’ needs, and providing the level of expert service they require and expect.”

The Operations Center, located in the new Rolls-Royce Meridian Center, represents a $2 million investment focused on meeting customer needs. The center will offer technical support from a 50-strong team of technical and engineering experts. Using high-tech tools and software, the support team will provide a new, integrated and centralized operation to respond to customer issues. The team will be able to quickly review individual and fleet engine data; inspect hardware via live video feed of boroscope inspections; and enable analysis by several team members to provide an expert and timely response.

Though the new Operations Center is a first for Rolls-Royce defense customers in the US, the model has already proven to be invaluable at increasing engine time on-wing in other regions. The Indianapolis operation will complement the work of a center which opened several years ago in Bristol, UK.

The Operations Center is another advanced tool within MissionCare™, a package of offerings tailored to the individual needs of military customers. The MissionCare approach includes close collaboration with the customer, providing innovative solutions and expert integration.

Rolls-Royce provides MissionCare support for all branches of the US military, including the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army and Coast Guard. Aircraft supported include C-130J, V-22, T-45 and Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

Notes to Editors:

1. Rolls-Royce is a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, and has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.

2. As a result of this strategy, Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base comprising more than 500 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 4,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in more than 80 countries.

3. Annual underlying revenues were $17.7 billion* in 2011, of which more than half came from the provision of services. The firm and announced order book stood at $94 billion* at 30 June 2012, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

4. Rolls-Royce employs over 40,000 skilled people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in over 50 countries. Over 11,000 of these employees are engineers.

5. In 2011, Rolls-Royce invested $1.4 billion* on research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental performance of its products, in particular reducing emissions.

6. Rolls-Royce supports a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which connect the company’s engineers with the forefront of scientific research.

7. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills.

*Based on current exchange rates