GE Aerospace has officially handed over two T901-GE-900 engines to the U.S. Army for use in the Improved Turbine Engine Program, marking a significant milestone in the upgrade of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The ceremony, held at Sikorsky’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, showcased the unboxing of these next-generation rotorcraft engines.
Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, emphasized the significance of this delivery, stating, “This delivery represents the beginning of a new era and a pivotal moment in our ongoing work with the U.S. Army.” She highlighted that the T901 engine will provide the essential performance, power, and reliability needed to sustain the U.S. Army’s tactical edge.
The engines have already shown promise, with the first successful ground run of an aircraft powered by a T901 engine occurring in April. This test involved Sikorsky’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype, Raider X, and provided valuable data to support the ongoing integration into the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Tom Champion, GE Aerospace’s T901 program director, shared his pride in the recent developments: “Our team is immensely proud to announce the latest T901 deliveries to the U.S. Army.” He praised the engines for their performance, which he believes will meet the rigorous demands of military operations for many years.
Developed as a successor to the T700 engine, which has powered Black Hawk and Apache helicopters for over four decades, the T901 engine is built on a foundation of combat-proven experience, amassing more than 100 million flight hours. The new engine addresses the Army’s need for increased power and reduced fuel consumption.
Innovations in the T901 include the integration of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and 3D-printed parts, leveraging advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D modeling to enhance power output while minimizing weight. Furthermore, the engine’s modular design—a concept inherited from the T700—ensures ease of maintenance and adaptability, aligning with the Army’s current maintenance protocols and performance criteria.
This advancement not only represents a leap forward in military aviation technology but also reaffirms GE Aerospace’s commitment to supporting the modernization efforts of the U.S. Army, ensuring that future military missions are backed by the latest in aerospace technology and innovation.