Hamilton Sundstrand's efforts in supporting helicopter performance have been boosted with the certification of the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for the commercial growth version of the General Electric T700 engine, the CT7-8.
"Our experience in supplying the mechanical control for the T700 engine enabled us to provide greater operational benefits when developing the electronic engine control system," says Joe Triompo, president, engine and control systems.
"The electronic FADEC improves the pilot's handling of the helicopter while decreasing the pilot's workload through the use of advanced control algorithms.
"The engine control also offers a reduced system failure rate along with better information on diagnostics and maintenance requirements."
Hamilton Sundstrand initially developed the electronic engine control for two T700-powered helicopters now under development. One is a growth version of the engine for the NH90 naval helicopter being manufactured by NH Industries. The other T700/CT7-8 is for Sikorsky's S-92 medium-lift helicopter.
The company says it will make the system available for the T700-GE-701C engine as part of the US Army's programme to upgrade as many as 1,200 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to UH-60M standard over the next two decades.
Source: Flight Daily News
