Story ID: 
StandardAero Improves R-R M250 Warm Engine Starting
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: Overhauled HMU improves performance by lowering starting temperatures.
Word Count: 214
StandardAero has introduced a new custom solution for operators of Rolls-Royce M250-C47 engines to improve starting performance by lowering starting temperatures on engines that are experiencing warm starting conditions. The solution, a custom overhauled hydromechanical unit (HMU), was designed by StandardAero engineers to optimize the performance of M250-C47 engines.

“Some M250 Series IV Fadec engine operators flying in hot and/or high conditions are experiencing elevated starting temperatures. This causes operators to resort to alternate starting procedures,” said Manny Atwal, vice president of StandardAero's helicopters business unit.  “StandardAero engineers have determined the root cause of elevated start temperatures and have developed new inspection, build and test procedures that help identify and reduce engine starting temperatures and prevent starting problems.”

The custom overhauled HMU solution is currently in use on more than 20 helicopters. Engine start data provided by those operators confirmed that average start temperatures range between 725 degrees C and 735 degrees C, reducing starting temperatures by as much as 120 degrees C in some cases, according to StandardAero. “There will be no additional down time or incremental cost to the operator to have this approach taken,” Atwal told AIN. Exchange units are possible with some advance notice and all work is performed at StandardAero’s Winnipeg, Canada location.