AATE technology development work will continue through 2015 in preparation for the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP).
LYNN, Mass. - GE Aviation completed testing its second GE3000 engine as part of its cooperative Advanced Affordable Turbine Engine (AATE) program with the U.S. Army. The second GE3000 test included performance evaluation, endurance and sand testing. Additional AATE technology development will continue through 2015 with additional tests planned.
The GE3000 engine for ITEP will include advanced technologies such as high temperature ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, additive manufactured parts and advanced 3D aerodynamic designs to meet the Army's aggressive performance requirements for future helicopter missions.
The GE3000 is designed as a "drop-in" replacement for GE's T700 engine powering Black Hawk and Apache helicopters. AATE program goals include: 25 percent better fuel economy, 35 percent lower acquisition and maintenance costs, 20 percent longer life and as much as 65 percent more power to weight compared to the T700 engine.
"The successful completion of second engine testing continues to prove our suite of advanced technologies which improve performance and lower operating costs for the Army," said Harry Nahatis, GE Aviation's general manager of advanced turboshaft programs. "The GE3000 incorporates revolutionary new technologies developed through GE's $1 billion annual investment in engine R&D. These proven technologies are unique to GE, giving us great confidence that the GE3000 will significantly improve upon the T700's performance while incorporating T700 lessons learned from millions of hours of combat experience powering Black Hawk and Apache helicopters in hot-harsh environments like Iraq and Afghanistan."
GE's turboshaft production locations include: Lynn, MA; Rutland, VT; Hookset, NH; Madisonville, KY ; Dayton, OH; Muskegon, MI; Asheville, NC; Jacksonville, FL.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.