US Army successfully tests next generation helicopter engine

The US Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) has concluded its First Engine to Test (FETT) phase of the GE-built T901 engine.

FETT initial light off occurred in March and the testing consisted of over 100 hours of run time. The event successfully verified and validated performance models on the service’s next generation rotorcraft engine that will power the Boeing AH-64 Apache, the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).

The T901 is the Army’s new 3,000 shaft horsepower centre line engine designed to fit the existing nacelle of the Apache and Black Hawk and is also the engine for FARA.

The T901 provides the critical capability that will allow Army Aviation greater reach and lethality by providing increased power, improved reliability and better fuel efficiency.

FETT light off marked the beginning of a multi-year test campaign to reach full Army qualification. Preliminary Flight Rating testing will initiate this fall, continuing through 2023, and includes eight T901 engines tested to Army Military Airworthiness Certification Criteria (AMACC) standards.

These standards ensure an engine meets Army requirements for design, production and continuing airworthiness and will encompass approximately 1,500 engine test hours. In total the T901 will undergo nearly 5,000 hours of testing to achieve full engine qualification.

The T901 is one critical step nearer to delivering improved power, reliability and fuel efficiency to the US Army’s fleet of helicopters.

FETT’s successful conclusion serves to inform the next step of engine development and testing confirming that in the T901, Army Aviation has the needed capabilities to increase reach and lethality on the battlefield.

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