EVENDALE, Ohio - GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) has been awarded a fixed-price $15 million contract for the delivery of 30 T58-GE-16A helicopter engine conversion kits. Installation of the new configuration will help extend the service life of the United States Marine Corps' (USMC) fleet of Boeing CH-46E helicopters to 2015.
The Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract is part of the United States Navy's Engine Reliability Improvement Program (ERIP) to convert 300 T58-GE-16 engines powering USMC CH-46E helicopters to a -16A model configuration.
The contract includes three options for a total of 304 module kits. Deliveries will begin in October 2002 and are scheduled to be completed in April 2003. Total contract deliveries are scheduled to be completed by first quarter 2006.
"We are excited by the United States Navy's confidence in the T58 engine and its ability to continue to perform a variety of missions around the world every day," said Ed Birtwell, general manager of GEAE's Turboshaft/Turboprop Project. "The new configuration will assist the CH-46E to perform its critical mission well into the next decade."
The engine conversion includes a new engine core module (compressor, combustor and high-pressure turbine) and modifications to the engine's power turbine and accessory package. GEAE will produce the new engine core at its plant in Lynn, Massachusetts.
The ERIP will substantially increase the engine's time on wing while decreasing maintenance costs and overall cost of operation. Last month, GEAE announced that the U.S. Navy Acquisition Review Board had confirmed the company had successfully met all requirements to qualify for low-rate initial production.
The modifications will be performed during scheduled aircraft overhaul at the Cherry Point Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) in North Carolina.
Including those powering the USMC CH-46E helicopters, more than 1300 T58 engines are in service with the USN and USMC, and more than 800 are in service with foreign military services. In addition, approximately 400 CT58 engines power the helicopters of 40 commercial operators throughout the world.
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for military and civil aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at www.geae.com.