General Electric has completed altitude testing of the growth T700 turboshaft. The first T700/T6E flight-test engine will be delivered to NHIndustries later this year for installation on the NH90 military helicopter.
The first CT7-8 commercial version will be delivered to Sikorsky in mid-1998.
GE Aircraft Engines says that the growth T700, designed to produce 1,860kW (2,500shp), gave more than 2,230kW in altitude testing. The growth engine is the first T700 to be equipped with full-authority digital engine-control, and has a dual-channel system supplied by Hamilton Standard.
The T700/T6E and CT7-8 are being co-developed with Italy's Alfa Romeo Avio and Fiat Avio: Germany's MTU Munich is to co-produce the T700/T6E for the NH90. The growth engine is being proposed for derivatives of the McDonnell Douglas AH-64, EH Industries EH101 and Sikorsky UH-60. A turboprop variant, the CT7-11, is being studied for potential growth versions of the CASA/IPTN CN-235, Let L-610 and Saab 340 regional airliners.
Source: Flight International