ALLIEDSIGNAL ENGINES is working on growth plans for the LT101 turbo-shaft as a possible future engine option for the Bell 430, the US Coast Guard (USCG) HH-60 Dolphin and a heavier BK117 under study at Eurocopter.
The two-stage growth option would increase engine rating over the LTS101 750B1 by 10% and 20%. "There are a lot of people showing interest," says the company, which inherited the engine with its 1994 purchase of Textron's Lycoming division. AlliedSignal has discussed the plan with Eurocopter and the USCG.
Hardware for the "compressor growth plan" is being developed this year, with testing due in 1996 and planned introduction of the 10% growth engine in 1997.
The first growth stage revolves around development of a revised impeller and related casing changes. Increased running temperatures, required for the 20% growth step, will require the introduction of further blade cooling.
Source: Flight International
