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Aviation History
2003
2003 - 2697.PDF
Military engines The T700-701D powers the Sikorsky UH-60M modernisation programme thanks largely to successive improvements to the gas generator and power turbine over recent years. Rated at 3,000shp, the -8C represents a 25% power increase over the CT7-8 and will use improved hot sec tion materials as well as a new three-stage power turbine, which will be tested for the first time in a completed engine during the first quarter of 2004. Although growing H-92 payload/weight requirements helped drive the -8C develop ment, additional impetus came from the need to challenge Rolls-Royce Turbomeca's RTM322, which has been aggressively tar geted at several imminent helicopter pro grammes. These include a planned MH-60K/L Black Hawk upgrade for the US Army Special Operations Command, which will require additional power. Search and rescue The RTM322 is also being discussed with Sikorsky and the US Air Force for a combat search and rescue (CSAR) requirement, as is the -8C. The new platform is intended to supplement and eventually replace the current HH-60 Pave Hawk and UH-1 Huey fleet, although it is believed the new air craft will allow the newer HH-60s to be flowed down to replace the Hueys initially. Another contender for the CSAR role is the Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland US101, which is also competing with the H-92 for the US Presidential VXX heli copter requirement. GE's victory in the engine selection for the VXX US101 bid, yet to be confirmed as Flight International closed for press, is expected to give it a major leg-up in the follow-on USAF CSAR competition. The final selection of the VXX, which will replace around 20 VH-60N and VH-3D Presidential heli copters, is targeted for early in the second quarter of 2004 with entry-into-service in 2008. Certification of the CT7-8E in the US101 is also expected in 2004. Another, more certain, market is the T700-401/401C-powered re-engined US Marine Corps AH-IZ Cobra and UH-IY Huey. The combined AH-12/UH-1Y flight test effort passed the 1,000 flight hours milestone in mid-2003, and appears to be on track for completion in late 2004. The Marines plan to upgrade 100 UH-lYs from UH-1N standard, and will convert up to 180 AH-lWs to AH-lZs. Value of the over all contract to GE is estimated to be around $300 million. The -401C powering the UH-IY produces up to 8% more power than the baseline -401 in the AH-IZ, and is being considered as the common power- plant for both helicopters. With new business also continuing to come in with further sales of the T700- 701C powered Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter to Kuwait Bell is re- and Japan, the "production of the engine engining US continues to be very strong, with some Marine Corps good solid platforms getting their lives UH-1Ys with extended", says Birtwell. For an engine the T700- with roots tracing back to a first run in 401/401C 1973, the family looks set for a remarkable renaissance that seems certain to see it in operation another 30 years from now. • www.fliqhtinternational.com FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 18-24 NOVEMBER 2003 65
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