PARIS, FRANCE -- GE's vast portfolio of military engines, upgrade initiatives and technology programs has it well positioned for continued growth and an exciting future.
*F414: With nearly 1,200 F414 engines powering F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, the F414 continues to prove itself among the world's most versatile turbofan engines. Now GE is on an ambitious path to incorporate new designs and hardware to equip the F414 with increased thrust and improved durability.
An F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) features both a new high-pressure turbine and new six-stage, high-pressure compressor to offer durability improvement and life-cycle cost savings. The F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) will generate up to 20% more thrust and provide reduced fuel consumption by adding a new fan design featuring greater air flow to the EDE core.
"The F414 continues to be a high priority for us and a mainstay for our Navy customer. We are excited about the prospects of advancing the engine's capabilities and features to meet future mission requirements, and ensure the F414 is as an attractive engine choice for other potential platforms," said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, GE's Military Systems Operation President.
As a part of the US Navy's Task Force Energy Initiative, GE continues to focus on F414 and noise reduction. These environmental programs piggyback on 2010's "Green Hornet" first-flight featuring a F414-powered Super Hornet with a 50-50 biofuel blend - the first such feat by a Navy fighter aircraft.
*F110: More than 2,850 F110 engines have been ordered worldwide since initial selection by the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1984, making it the best-selling engine for Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighter jets. In addition to the USAF, 12 international forces fly F110-powered aircraft.
F110 engines are also enjoying strong momentum in the twin-engine F-15 arena. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has completed re-engining of 71 Boeing F-15 aircraft, which involves more than 150 engines and a logistics-support package. In selecting the GE engine, the RSAF cited the F110's durability in harsh operating environments, safety/reliability and cost-effective operation.
GE has qualified the 6,000 Total Accumulated Cycle (TAC) versions of the F110 for both the F-16 (F110-GE-129D) and F-15 (F110-GE-129E) applications, and the USAF has approved the -129 for 6,000 TACS. The extension of scheduled intervals from 4,300 TACS to 6,000 TACS represents a 40% reduction in scheduled maintenance costs and reinforces GE's commitment to deliver the most cost-effective engines and optimum F110 readiness.
*T700: Upgrades, derivatives and new markets highlight GE's rotorcraft engine segment. The US Army continues to modify its Black Hawk fleet with the more powerful (up to 5%) and durable T700-701D. Tech700 is a technology-infusion initiative comprised of specialized kits to enhance Navy Seahawk T700-401C models (up to 4% SFC, 15% more power), providing improved hot-high payload and increased range.
Initial T700/701K production-engine kits will be shipped later this year for the Korean Helicopter Program. This first rear-drive T700 engine (co-developed by GE and Samsung Techwin) features a -701D core, high-efficiency counter-rotating power turbine and a FADEC. First-flight of the Surion took place in March 2010 and four aircraft are currently engaged in flight testing.
Another member of the T700 engine family, the CT7-2E1 was developed for the AgustaWestland new twin-engine medium helicopter. The aircraft achieved its successful first flight earlier this year.
Featuring its larger compressor, hot section improvements and FADEC, the T700 derivative YT706 is providing improved high/hot mission capability for the Army Special Operations Forces MH-60M helicopter (100+ engines delivered to support aircraft qualification).
*GE38: The GE38 is the new 7,500-shaft-horsepower engine currently in development for the US Marine Corps CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. The GE38 combines increased durability features, corrosion and erosion resistance with best-in-class SFC. Successful testing is underway on three engines and will continue through the year. In addition to the launch application, there are other potential opportunities for GE38 variants spanning military, naval and commercial markets.
Success on key government technology demonstrator programs continues for GE Military Systems. Documented progress on ADVENT (next-generation fighter-engine technology) and AATE (advanced helicopter engine) milestones and timelines have positioned GE Aviation well for future military engine demands.
GE's new military services function (GEMS) is focusing on creative ways to enhance customer collaboration and better understand requirements. Leveraging the success of its F414 data warehouse, GE is also expanding its digital offerings to cover other engine lines with living metrics and dashboards that will enable better management and monitoring of key performance information - providing customer value through connectivity.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.