Ozark Aeroworks is planning improvements for the T53 turboshaft engine once it closes its acquisition of the legacy engine’s type certificate from Honeywell later this month.

The Springfield, Missouri-based company — an Eagle Copters affiliate — had been one of Honeywell’s largest T53 Service Centers, working with a global customer base.

In a HAI Heli-Expo press conference detailing the acquisition of the engine, Ken Essary, Ozark Aerowork’s CEO, said the expertise and synergies offered by Ozark and Eagle would ensure a successful transition for the engine from Honeywell. He also highlighted the decades of experience he and Eagle Copters CEO Mike O’Reilly personally have with the T-53.

“The engine means a lot to us,” he said. “I think in that aspect, it’s a very unique transaction — probably one of the few engine type certificate acquisitions where the acquirers have this level of in-depth knowledge of the engine, the applications and the passion for this product.”

O’Reilly said Honeywell had decided to sell the type certificate for the T53 because “they legitimately felt that the engine would be in better hands,” and its business model was moving away from the type of support required by the industry.

He said operators will be excited about the change in ownership. “Between Ken and myself, we were fully aware of the things that we felt were troubling . . . the lack of attention to the issues that were constantly plaguing us, if you will.

“We’re finally getting the engine into hands that can directly deal with many issues that I think will be handled more quickly, more directly, and ultimately benefit the end users.”

To help with the transition from Honeywell, Ozark will be licensing EXTEX Engineered Products, an experienced part 21 manufacturer, to create the parts needed to support the engine.

“It’s mitigation of risk, and using the strengths of our relationships and partners to make this a very solid transition,” said Essary.

According to Ozark’s estimates, about 1,800 T53 engines are still active in aircraft today, enabling crucial operations around the world.

“It’s important that we maintain this engine and keep it viable,” said Essary. “And actually our plans are to improve the engine and extend the longevity and lifespan.”

Carbon seals are one item targeted for improvement, as well as implementing best practices in maintenance manuals. Working with its partners, Ozark will also aim to improve the status of the parts supply chain. Higher volume purchasing should allow it to reduce the cost of parts, Essary added.

The existing T53 Service Center network is to be retained, and Ozark plans to “increase communication and collaboration” with them.

“We’re open to suggestions on performance enhancements, but we’re going to focus on maintenance and reliability areas [first],” he said.

Ozark is also open to the idea of restarting production of the T53 — if a sufficient number would be required.

“If we had an opportunity to produce significant quantity of engines…. We’re going to be investigating and seeing what that magic number is,” he said.

Following the company’s growth, Ozark is getting set to move from its existing 38,000-square-foot facility to a new 73,000-square-foot home. This should take place by the end of October.

Originally developed by Lycoming, the T-53 powers some of the world’s most iconic military helicopters, including the Bell UH-1H Huey, Huey II, and AH-1H Cobra. On the commercial side, it is used in the Bell 204, 205, 210, Kaman K-Max, and Eagle Single (a single-engined version of the Bell 212).