The T901 engine developed by GE Aerospace, will power the FARA and replaces the T700 engine currently used on the U.S. Army AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
On September 28th, the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) reached a significant milestone with the acceptance of the first General Electric (GE) Aerospace T901 flight test (FT) engine by the government. The second T901 engine is currently undergoing the acceptance process. Both engines are set to be delivered by the government to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023.
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) accepted the engine at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, marking a crucial step in delivering flight test engines for two FARA Competitive Prototype (FARA-CP) aircraft: Bell’s 360 Invictus and Sikorsky’s Raider X. This engine handover underscores the long-standing partnership between DCMA, the Army, and GE.
“DCMA is pleased to accept this first General Electric T901 flight test engine,” said Lt. Col. Paul Hrad, the DCMA Aircraft Propulsion – GE Commander, U.S. Air Force. “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,” he further added.
The T901 engine, developed by GE Aerospace, will power the FARA and replace the T700 engine currently used on AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The T901’s fuel efficiency is expected to enhance the Army’s aircraft fleet by increasing range, loiter time, and fuel efficiency, while also restoring high hot 6k/95-degree operational capability. Additionally, the engine’s reliability and extended lifespan will contribute to reduced maintenance and sustainment costs.
What sets the T901 apart is its ability to generate more power (a 1,000 shp increase for a total of 3,000 shp) while maintaining a similar size and weight to its predecessor, the GE T700. It achieves this through a combination of additive manufacturing, ceramic matrix composites, and traditionally manufactured components.
The T901 engine will also introduce predictive logistics, enhancing time on wing and reliability. It incorporates an onboard Engine Health Management System that supports Army Predictive and Prognostic Maintenance goals. This system uses health monitoring sensors, embedded component health models, and algorithms to provide data analysis and advanced component life calculations. As a result, it enables longer component usage, reduces the demand for spare parts, and lessens the workload on soldiers maintaining the system.
The T901 engine represents a significant increase in reach and lethality for both the existing and future fleet. Its enhanced power, performance, and reliability are crucial elements in the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations vision for the year 2030.
ITEP is part of the Aviation Turbine Engines Project Office (ATE PO), which falls under the Program Executive Office, Aviation. Located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the ATE PO is responsible for centrally managing the Army’s rotary-wing turbine engine and electrical power capability for U.S. Army Aviation and coalition partners.
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In conclusion, the acceptance of the first General Electric T901 flight test engine by the government marks a key development in the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Army’s aviation fleet. This advanced engine is poised to provide significant benefits in terms of power, efficiency, and reliability, contributing to the Army’s readiness and operational effectiveness.
