A US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has completed its initial ground run with the T901 engine.
The T901 replaces the General Electric T700, which currently powers the UH-60 and AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fleets.
It will feature an estimated 50 percent greater power and 25 percent improved fuel consumption with roughly the same weight.
Moreover, the General Electric engine’s greenhouse gas emission will be less than that of its predecessor.
“These tests mark a pivotal moment in history as the T901 engine powers the Black Hawk for the first time,” President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace Amy Gowder said.
“This achievement paves the way for a more powerful and mission-ready Black Hawk, equipping the US Army with the ability to meet the growing demands of future operations.”
The UH-60 will be outfitted with the engine first, followed by the AH-64.
Ground Tests
The tests validated critical engine systems, including fuel, electrical, hydraulic, engine and flight control systems, and engine bay flow.
“The test demonstrated the T901’s start-to-fly progression, including idle and fly modes, with the rotor brake disengaged, marking a significant step toward the program’s goal of delivering a more powerful and efficient engine for the next-generation Black Hawk,” the helicopter’s manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, explained.
“The start-to-fly progression tests the functionality of the entire system, from the engine start sequence to the engagement of the main rotor to enable lift-off.”
Furthermore, data acquired during the effort — from the comprehensive aircraft and engine instrumentation — will be used throughout the program.
Coupled with ongoing factory tests, the ground trials at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach facility continue to validate the engine’s development progress.
T901 Engine
The T901 features greater power and fuel efficiency and reduced lifecycle costs thanks to its simpler design and fewer parts.
The features will translate to the aircraft’s enhanced range, endurance, and ability to haul greater payload.
The new engine will help UH-60 address its range and payload issues that have arisen due to constant retrofitting and upgrades.
It will also reduce the aircraft’s maintenance and sustainment costs.
“Soldiers will rely on Black Hawk helicopters well into the future, and upgrades to the aircraft today will pay dividends for decades, enabling new missions such as deploying and managing launch effects,” VP of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky Hamid Salim said.
“A modernized Black Hawk fleet will create new operational opportunities for the Army by extending the capabilities of a proven, fielded fleet to travel farther on less fuel and with more troops and cargo.”