A HAMPSHIRE MP has written to the government in support of a Whiteley company continuing to maintain the nation's military helicopter engines.

Flick Drummond, Meon Valley MP, has written to the Ministry of Defence, expressing her support of Safran - the company based in Whiteley which currently holds the contract to maintain the RTM322 engines which power helicopters used by the UK's armed forces - to be allowed to continue their service.

The RTM322 was developed by Safran under its previous Turbomeca branding, jointly with Rolls-Royce and it has maintained the engines throughout their service life to date.

This engine is used to power the Merlin and Apache helicopters in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Army.

However, the company, which employs 165 people and was recently judged to be the “World’s Best Helicopter Engine Manufacturer” by Vertical magazine, has received no news of its tender.

After visiting the company to discuss its work, Flick wrote a letter to government which read asking them to provide an indication into what the decision will be, and calling on the Ministry of Defence to allow Safran to continue.

Flick said: “This is a company at the cutting-edge of its industry. It supports a wide range of customers for their engines and ancillary equipment, and I was impressed by its advanced facilities and skilled group of employees.

“I was also very happy to support the company and make my view known to the Ministry of Defence that I feel Safran is best placed to continue to maintain these engines for our armed forces.”