British aeronautics and automotive firm Rolls-Royce signed a letter of intent on October 8 with Slovak engineering firm Považské Strojárne Letecké Motory, in which the signatories committed themselves exclusivity in the development of the DV-2S aircraft engine. The two companies plan to sign a definitive contract in early 2000, stated Paul M. Kaye, Rolls-Royce's director for central Europe on October 13.
Kaye says that PSLM and Rolls-Royce also agreed to investing jointly in the certification process for the engine, which would bear the Rolls Royce brand name "for commercial reasons."
Považské Strojárne is negotiating various projects with foreign partners, such as jet engine supplies for the Czech company Aero Vodochody, Indian partner Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Chinese K8 training jet as well as the French firm Snecma Control Systems. The production capacity of the Slovak firm is 50 engines annually, but its representatives say this can be increased when necessary.
At the moment, Považské Strojárne employs 420 people, and another 50 are in design.
