GE Aerospace's T901 Improved Turbine Engine to succeed T701 turboshaft performed its first ground run onboard the UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopter.
Sikorsky announced the important test for the new turbine engine, set to replace the T701 line of turboshaft engines used on UH-60 utility helicopters and AH-64 attack helicopters of the U.S. Army.
T901 was developed within the scope of the Improved Turbine Engine programme, aiming to obtain a more powerful and fuel-efficient replacement for the long-serving T701 line of engines. Compared to T701, which can produce a 2000 to 2500 shp power depending on variant, T901 is rated at 3000 shp. In addition, the engine has fewer parts to ease production and maintenance.
The engine upgrade for the U.S. Army's main line of helicopters signals confidence in existing platforms despite the V-280 Valor tiltrotor being picked from the FLRAA programme. The U.S. plans to keep UH-60 and possibly AH-64 in service for the next few decades. This likely stems from the better handling of traditional rotary-wing platforms than tilt rotors, which are suited for long-range operations thanks to higher cruise speed.
