LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS -- GE has delivered the first set of three CT7-8E engines to Agusta Westland for the US101/EH101. The CT7-8E has been selected as the powerplant for the US101 helicopter being proposed for the U.S. Marine Corp VXX program.
"We are very pleased to be a part of the US101 team," said Ed Birtwell, vice president of Turboshaft Engines at GE. "With the recent FAA certification, the CT7-8E provides the most advanced engine in its class for the US101 and the EH101, delivering 20 percent more power with a state-of-the-art FADEC (full authority digital electronic control) system. This is an important milestone for GE Turboshaft Engines. For over two years, we have been working with the helicopter team to develop the growth engine for the US101/EH101, and we are proud to now deliver this superior product on schedule."
GE delivered the first set of engines for the first model of the EH101 19 years ago. Since then, the GE-powered EH101 has amassed over 100,000 engine flight hours, serving a worldwide customer base.
The CT7-8E, the newest member of the CT7/T700 engine family, incorporates improvements derived from over 50 million flight hours on over 30 different helicopter and fixed-wing applications powered by CT7/T700 engines throughout the world. The CT7-8E features an advanced, higher-flow compressor designed with new 3D aerodynamic technology, a modern FADEC system, a hot section and turbines proven on GE's CT7-9 engine, and significantly increased hot-temperature/high-altitude performance.
GE Transportation, Aircraft Engines, part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and GE. In addition, GE Transportation, Aircraft Engines provides comprehensive maintenance support for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.