Rolls-Royce Group and Goodrich have announced they are planning a joint venture to develop and supply engine controls for the Derby firm’s aero engines.

If the proposed venture goes ahead, it would enable the two companies to integrate their engine controls activity more closely. It would combine Goodrich’s existing UK-based engine controls design and manufacturing business and Rolls-Royce’s expertise in the integration of controls into the engine.

Around 1,100 British-based Goodrich employees and 500 Rolls-Royce employees in Europe and the United States may transfer into the proposed joint venture, the companies said.

Colin Smith, Rolls-Royce’s director of engineering & technology, said: “This proposed joint venture would allow us to align our activities more closely, and reflects the importance we attach to the engine control system in optimising engine performance.”

Curtis Reusser, Goodrich’s segment president for Electronics Systems, said: “This arrangement would bring benefits to both our companies.

“Goodrich already works closely with Rolls-Royce and we believe closer integration would provide an even more efficient delivery of these important engine control systems.”

Goodrich, whose UK-based controls design and manufacturing is based in Birmingham and Belfast, would retain the aftermarket products and services business associated with the joint venture’s products.

Should it go ahead, the aim would be to complete the joint venture as soon as possible, subject to regulatory review, consultation and approval which is expected to take several months.

The engine control system ensures that the engine safely provides the correct power in response to the pilot’s demand. It does this by regulating the flow of fuel to the engine and adjusts many other variable features, which optimise the engine performance and ensure safety.

The system also provides data to the aircraft avionic systems and for cockpit indication. It consists of electronic, hydraulic and mechanical components and depends for its function on high integrity software.

Goodrich is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defence and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.