The Lockheed Martin-led team proposing the US101 medium-lift helicopter for the US presidential fleet replacement has selected GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) to provide the aircraft's powerplant.
GEAE was selected ahead of the rival Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 and will supply CT7-8E engines for US101. The aircraft is locked in a fierce competition with Sikorsky's S-92 and the VXX programme is viewed as a landmark decision in the shape of the US helicopter market.
"Adding the T700/CT7 engine family, which has more than 50 million operating hours, to a helicopter platform that already has more than 45,000 flight hours ensures the president a modern air vehicle of unmatched maturity," says Stephen Ramsey, Lockheed Martin's US101 vice-president and general manager.
Ramsey believes GEAE's extensive experience on the Marine One helicopter strengthens the team's position – the company's T58 engine has powered presidential helicopters since the Kennedy administration.
Lockheed Martin is teamed with AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter to develop an American variant of the EH101 and selecting GE strengthens the US element of the venture.
The T700/CT7 engine powers EH101s flown by the governments of Canada and Italy as well as Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
Source: Flight Daily News
