The world comes closer - Our history : Volvo Aero

A proud heritage

The history of Volvo Aero reflects the history of aviation with rapid development across a wide-range of exciting fields.

From Sweden's first aero-engine to state-of-the-art technology for the 21st century, Volvo Aero has been there.

The World comes Closer

Skills and resources were being built up for the company's growing role in the further development and adaptation of engines later to be manufactured on license.

An agreement was signed with Rolls-Royce Ltd at the end of 1952 concerning the manufacture of a Swedish version of an engine in the Rolls-Royce Avon series. The Swedish version was designated RM5A and is used for A32 (Lansen) fighters. The change-over to manufacture of RM5 engines meant a considerable re-organization of production and large investments were made in a new machine park.

The RM5 was manufactured during the period 1955-1958 and was then succeeded by a series of

larger and more powerful Avon engines for use in the J35 Draken fighter. The Swedish version of this engine was RM6. The co-operation with Rolls Royce was expanded with subcontract manufacture of components for commercial aircraft engines.

The development of the various versions of the RM8 engine for the Viggen combat aircraft, derived from the commercial Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine, became a major success, greatly strengthening Sweden's position on the international aircraft engine market. During this period Volvo took over all stock in the company and re-named it Volvo Flygmotor AB.

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