EVENDALE, OHIO - The Republic of Ireland has agreed to begin negotiations for the purchase of three GE CT7-8-powered Sikorsky S-92 helicopters to fulfill the Irish Air Corps Search and Rescue (SAR) mission. The engine order includes an option for two more aircraft for general-purpose military transport.
The CT7-8 turboshaft engine, co-developed and co-produced by GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) and FiatAvio of Italy, is currently the exclusive powerplant for the Sikorsky S-92. The S-92 is a 25,000-pound-class medium helicopter designed to perform a wide variety of civil and military missions, including offshore oil support, revenue passenger service, search and rescue, and troop transport.
"We are delighted with the opportunity to provide CT7-8 engines for Ireland's search and rescue missions," said Ed Birtwell, general manager, T700/CT7 project for GE Aircraft Engines. "The CT7-8 is the latest member of the T700/CT7 engine family, which has become the standard powerplant for medium, multi-role helicopters around the world."
The CT7-8 engine, recently certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a derivative of GEAE's successful T700/CT7 family of turboprop and turboshaft engines, which power 25 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in service with 133 customers in more than 57 countries. The CT7-8 engine is expected to receive certification from the E.U. Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) later this year, and military qualification is on track for 2003.
The CT7-8-powered S-92 has begun formal FAA certification flight-testing at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is on track for 2002 certification and first delivery in 2003.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma 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 http://www.geae.com.