On March 30, 2022, GE has begun testing the first T901-GE-900 engine. This is GE’s next-generation rotor engine that powers the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache and Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) aircraft.
GE uses advanced materials, including additively manufactured parts and
ceramics
Matrix composite material is the key technology to achieve the performance of T901.As previously reported by Antarctic Bear, metal is used in the T901 engine3D printingThe integration of parts was achieved, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 20%.
In 2019, GE’s T901 engine was selected by the U.S. Army for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) program to re-engineer the Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. The US Army also selected the 3,000-shp T901 for the Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program.
The first test engine is taking place in a recently upgraded test cell at GE’s plant in Lynn, Massachusetts. GE upgraded three test cells in the factory to efficiently complete a comprehensive T901 EMD engine test program. Test cell upgrades include systems that absorb the increased power and allow the engine to run without load, improved instrumentation capabilities, and upgraded test controls. T901 EMD engine testing will also take place at GE’s Avondale, Ohio facility as well as at government agencies.
“We are excited to begin testing this engine,” said Tom Champion, GE T901 program director. “This is the largest breakthrough for the ITE program to date and the result of a strong collaboration between GE and the U.S. Army team. The early test data we collected shows that the engine is performing as we expected and with Army requirements.”
Compared to its predecessor, the GE T700, the T901 reportedly delivers 50 percent more power, improving the aircraft’s performance while only improving specific fuel consumption by 25 percent, reducing carbon emissions. Increased component durability is also expected to reduce lifecycle costs.
The first engine required years of testing to meet full Army requirements. During the remaining testing of the first engine, the integrated test team will perform some simulated flight conditions to collect performance data on the highly instrumented test engine.
(responsible editor: admin)
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