The U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) celebrated a significant milestone with the acceptance of the first General Electric (GE) Aerospace T901 flight test (FT) engine on September 28. However, the achievement came amid notable delays in the program. The second T901 engine is currently undergoing the acceptance process, with both engines slated to be delivered to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023.
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) formally accepted the engine at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts. This pivotal moment signifies the beginning of the government’s delivery of flight test engines for two FARA Competitive Prototype (FARA-CP) aircraft, Bell’s 360 Invictus and Sikorsky’s Raider X. It also underscores the enduring partnership between DCMA, the Army, and GE Aerospace.
“DCMA is pleased to accept this first General Electric T901 flight test engine,” stated Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Hrad, the DCMA Aircraft Propulsion – GE Commander. “This engine represents the culmination of several years of working closely with the Improved Turbine Engine Program and GE Aerospace to ensure our soldiers are equipped with the best achievable equipment they need to safely fight and win.”
While the T901 engine’s acceptance is a significant accomplishment, the program has faced delays, pushing back its delivery schedule. The engines are crucial for the Army’s helicopter fleet, where they will replace the T700 engine currently utilized in all AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
One of the T901’s key features is its enhanced fuel efficiency, offering an extended range, increased loiter time, and reduced fuel consumption. Furthermore, it restores high hot 6k/95-degree operational capability. This engine’s reliability and extended lifespan are expected to lead to lower maintenance and sustainment costs over time.
The T901 engine leverages advanced technologies, including additive manufacturing, ceramic matrix composites, and traditional components. This blend of innovations results in increased power, providing a 1,000-shaft horsepower (SHP) boost for a total of 3,000 SHP, all while maintaining a similar size and weight profile to its predecessor, the GE T700.
Additionally, the T901 introduces predictive logistics, contributing to increased operational time and improved reliability. It includes an onboard Engine Health Management System equipped with health monitoring sensors and embedded component health models and algorithms. These features enable data analysis and advanced component life calculations, ultimately extending component usage and reducing the need for spare parts while alleviating the workload on soldiers.
The T901 engine delivers significantly enhanced reach and lethality for both current and future Army fleets, proving to be a crucial asset for Multi-Domain Operations envisioned for the Army in 2030. As the T901 engines make their way to FARA-CP aircraft, the Army anticipates a vital step toward achieving its operational goals, despite the delays encountered along the way.
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