LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Type Certification to new models of GE's CT7-8 turboshaft engine. The newly certified engines, more powerful and more durable than earlier models, are intended to power variants of the Sikorsky S-92, AgustaWestland EH101 and US101, and NH Industries NH90 helicopters, as well as improved versions of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for U.S. Army Special Operations forces.
The engines feature improved materials in the high-pressure turbine, and share the increased-flow compressor and advanced full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system of the original CT7-8 engine certified in September 2000.
Delivery of CT7-8A engines for the Sikorsky S-92 will begin this month, and CT7-8E engines have already been shipped to AgustaWestland for flight-testing of the EH101, which is scheduled to begin this summer.
"We are extremely pleased with the successful certification of these engines," said Ed Birtwell, general manager of the Turboshaft Project of GE Aircraft Engines. "These are the only FAA-certified engines in this power class available for modern medium-lift helicopters."
GE is already well into the development of the next growth model in the family of T700/CT7 turboshaft engines. The CT7-8C, announced last year, offers a further 20 percent power increase over the newly certified engine models.
GE Aircraft Engines, part of GE Transportation, is an operating component of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). GE is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.