LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS - June 9, 2000 - Under the terms of an aircraft production Memorandum of Understanding signed during the recent Berlin Air Show, the Italian government selected the T700/T6E1 turboshaft engine to power its entire fleet of 196 NH90 helicopters.
The estimated value of the engine order is $300 million.
Italy, which will begin taking delivery of the NH90 in 2004, will be one of the first nations to place the helicopter into service.
The T7000/T6E1 completed a rigorous engine integration flight test program on an NH90 prototype helicopter earlier this year. The engine met or exceeded all requirements and performed flawlessly. Highlights of the testing included more than 60 landings on a French frigate at sea and several demonstrations of the critical One-Engine-Inoperative (OEI) rating point in flight. The engine's full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) provided outstanding response to pilot input and high reliability throughout the testing.
The T700/T6E1, the newest model in the T700 family of engines, was co-developed and will be co-produced by FiatAvio and GE. These are the most widely used engines in their class, powering aircraft for 130 customers in 55 countries.