Paris, France -- Spain Ministry of Defense has selected GE engines to power 45 NH90 helicopters with its advanced CT7-8F5 engine and related services. These aircraft are included in the Armed Forces Modernization Program (procurement approved by the Minister Council in May 2005.)
The combined value of the competitive performance of the CT7-8F5 engine and the related GE industrial commitment were key to this contract award. GE will implement an industrial plan that will focus on the development and diversification of the Spanish aeronautical industry.
"Once again GE will be integral to economic growth in Spain. This initiative is a good example of GE's commitment to promoting decentralization and local value generation goals, since we support fostering the development of the local industry on an ongoing basis," said Mario Armero, GE President for Spain and Portugal.
CT7-8F5 engine end-users, the Army, Navy and Air Force, will benefit from its advanced performances. The engine generates more power than the standard version installed in existing NH90 helicopters, allowing the Spanish Armed Forces to perform a variety of missions, and includes built-in growth to meet future demands of the helicopter system. The CT7-8F5 engine also significantly improves performance in hot and high conditions, which is becoming increasingly important in combat and humanitarian-relief missions.
The CT7-8 engine model powers four aircraft applications; the NH90, S-92, EH101 and MH-60M helicopters. This engine variant was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2004, and has to date accumulated close to 100,000 flight hours.
"The selection of the CT7-8F5 engine to power the Spanish NH90 helicopters demonstrates that GE has presented the ideal combination of innovative technology, technological transfer and job creation that are desired on these programs," said Armero. Today GE has an active fleet of more than 1,000 military and commercial engines in Spain.
The CT7/T700 engine family has amassed more than 50 million flight-hours powering 21 different aircraft models in civil and military service throughout the world. To meet current and future requirements, GE continues to enhance the performance, reliability and durability of in-service engines, while developing new, more powerful models in the 2,500-3,000 shp. range. Approximately 14,000 T700/CT7 engines have been delivered to date or are on order.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also is a global provider of maintenance and support services for operators of GE jet engines.