AlliedSignal Engines announced at the show yesterday that the United States Army has ordered 42 engine upgrade kits for its extensive fleet of Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
The order, worth $26 million, is eventually expected to lead to more than $1 billion worth of business, as AlliedSignal hopes to ship between 60 and 100 kits each year over the coming decade.
AlliedSignal claims that the kits give the upgraded engine, designated T55-GA-714A, a power increase of more than 20%, together with a 7% reduction in specific fuel consumption and a 20% payload improvement over a range of 150nm (277km), with improved reliability and reduced cost of ownership.
The kit itself includes full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for improved reliability and power management; a new tailpipe with integrated containment ring allowing the engine to use power previously lost to back pressure; an enhanced IMT metering system giving the flight crew more precise torque readings; improved disk material giving increased cycle life and lower operating costs; and the replacement of some magnesium engine parts with stainless steel to reduce corrosion.
Allied Signal has also been chosen to supply its FPD-560 electronic and avionics systems displays for Sikorsky's SH-60R and CH-60 military helicopter programmes - a contract worth $65 million.
Featuring a flat panel liquid crystal display, the units are derived from systems currently in airline and military aircraft, incorporating both airspeed and altitude information on a single screen.
AlliedSignal's John Engel, vice-president and general manager, business and general aviation, says: "The FPD-560 gives Sikorsky a common cockpit between the two programmes for the US Navy, resulting in reduced cost and maintenance while also reducing pilot workload and providing better information on a single display."
Sikorsky will install AlliedSignal's displays in 250 SH-60R sonar-dipping helicopters, currently used to search for submarines, and 150 of the new CH-60 aircraft used in supply, utility, combat SAR and special warfare missions.
The US Navy has subcontracted both helicopter programmes to Sikorsky. The FPD-560 will be installed on 100 combat SAR aircraft and on an as-yet undetermined number of foreign airframes.
Source: Flight Daily News
