GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Engine manufacturers expect a request for proposals within weeks from US Special Operations Command to power upgraded Sikorsky MH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the US Army. The requirement calls for the service to re-engine around 100 aircraft from 2006.
Rolls-Royce plans to offer the CTS322, a US-produced version of the R-R Turbomeca RTM322, while current supplier General Electric is expected to offer its uprated CT7-8.
Stuart Mullan, R-R president - helicopters, says the CTS322 will produce 2,525shp (1,880kW), with a single-engine rating of 3,300shp. Compared with the GE T700 now powering special-operations MH- 60K/Ls, the engine offers increased mass flow and lower exhaust temperature, reducing infrared signature. In addition, the CTS322 will be offered with an advanced IR suppressor developed by R-R's Allison Advanced Development unit.
R-R also plans to offer its 6,000shp-class AE1107 to power the US Marine Corps' upgraded Sikorsky CH-53X heavylift helicopter, Mullan says, with an expected requirement for 111-154 aircraft. The company is looking at four alternatives to meet an emerging US need for a very large rotorcraft - growth and "twin-pack" versions of the AE1107, and turboshaft derivatives of the TP400 turboprop under development for the Airbus Military A400M transport and the RB255 two-shaft engine under study to succeed the AE3007 turbofan.
Source: Flight International
