LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS--During testing of GE's new CT7-8C turboshaft engine, the engine exceeded its planned rating, demonstrating over 3100 shaft horsepower (shp) under sea level, static conditions while meeting all prescribed test parameters.
Initial power turbine performance testing is now complete. Maturation testing is scheduled to begin later this year, leading to full certification of the CT7-8C model by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The CT7-8C, while fitting in the same space, produces 20 percent more power than the CT7-8, and twice as much power as the original T700 in this popular family of turboshaft engines. To achieve the power increase, the CT7-8C incorporates a new, advanced three-stage power turbine, compared to the two-stage power turbine of the CT7-8.
In addition, the materials in the high-pressure turbine have been upgraded, and the CT7-8C retains the advanced, fully redundant, dual-channel FADEC (full authority digital electronic control) system certified in 2000 for the CT7-8. The components and materials required to upgrade the CT7-8 to the CT7-8C will also be available in kit form.
"This flawless introduction of the latest technology gives us unmatched growth to build on the nearly 50 million hours of CT7/T700 operational experience," said Ed Birtwell, general manager of the Turboshaft Project Department at GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE).
GEAE, a part of GE Transportation, is an operating component of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). GEAE is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. 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.