An operational requirements document (ORD) has been signed off by the the US Army. It is to be presented to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council for approval. The 2,235kW (3,000shp) CEP would replace the General Electric T700 initially in the Black Hawk and, later, in the Apache.
"With the Black Hawk, our goal is move the UH-60A model to the L and the L+ versions and, eventually, the X. You have to have a better engine to upgrade to the X and that's got to continue in the research and development process to get there. We're not there now," says Maj Gen Anthony Jones, US Army Aviation Centre commander.
The ORD's objective is to enable a CEP-powered UH-60X to operate to a maximum radius of 275km (150nm) lifting 4,070kg (9,000lb) externally, or 500km carrying a combat assault team. The planned enlarged and rebuilt UH-60X would have a maximum take-off weight of 12,100kg, compared to the current machine's 9,070kg (Flight International, 3-9 November, 1999).
This is based on the CEP meeting improvement goals laid down for the ongoing Joint Turbine Advanced Gas Generator demonstrator programme. Compared to the T700-701C, the CEP will need to have 25% better specific fuel consumption, a 60% increase in power to weight ratio and a 25% cut in operating costs.
Earlier army hopes of persuading the USN to sign for the CEP for its modernised and heavier SH-60R Seahawk appear to have been dashed. "At present, the navy has no funding to modify and/or procure engines with a higher power rating," says the SH-60 programme office.
The navy contends the SH-60R falls within the T700's performance capabilities, but concedes that ageing will erode performance and increase weight. The army plans to push ahead and seek industry input later this year to draft a request for proposals. It is targeting to receive initial development funding in the 2002 budget.o
Source: Flight International
