RB199

In collaboration with Rolls-Royce and Avio Aero, MTU began developing and producing the RB199 in 1969 to power the Panavia Tornado multirole fighter jet. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Panavia Tornado was Europe’s largest and most successful military aircraft program. As of December 2023, the 2,504 delivered RB199 engines had completed more than 7.18 million flight hours. To meet the Tornado’s various mission requirements, especially the extreme low-altitude flights, a three-shaft design complete with afterburner and thrust reverser was selected. The RB199 is the world’s only military engine with an integrated thrust reverser.
 

MTU’s involvement in the RB199

MTU’s part in this successful engine was to deliver its first independently developed and manufactured components such as the intermediate-pressure compressor, high-pressure compressor, and intermediate-pressure turbine. For the German and Italian Air Forces, MTU developed the DECU 2020 engine control unit. Since production ended, activities have focused on manufacturing spare parts, repairing engine modules and components, and providing customer and engineering technical support. MTU provides maintenance services for Tornado engines as part of a collaboration with the German Armed Forces.