LHTEC is on schedule to start T800 turboshaft production in 2000 to support the US Army's UH-1H re-engine programme.
The first two engines are "on contract and in production" for the initial qualification phase at Fort Rucker, Alabama, says Fred Dickens, T800 business development director for the AlliedSignal/ Allison joint venture. "We're looking for Army qualification by October 1999 for the first two engines, and we're concurrently working the production programme, which will begin in 2000," he adds.
The UH-1Hs will be powered by the CTS800-54 version, fitted with a commercial control system. The agreement with the Army includes provision for replacement of the controller with a military standard unit, thereby converting the engines to the T800-801 variant designed for the Boeing/ Sikorsky RAH-66. The -801 engine is 17% more powerful than the baseline -800 and has accumulated 4,100 of the 5,000 test hours required before US Federal Aviation Administration certification, which is expected in March 1999. LHTEC plans to supply engines for 131 UH-1Hs under the current plan.
The partners are also optimistic about gaining more military business through its agreement with Agusta on the A129, which is competing for impending attack helicopter contracts. The Italian manufacturer is submitting proposals for five competitions, with a potential sales tally of up to 500 engines. Bids have been submitted for up to 145 helicopters for Turkey, 24 for Spain, 24 for Australia, an unspecified number for a Malaysian contest and between 12 and 20 for Singapore.
Source: Flight International
