GE Commemorates 15,000 T700/CT7 Engine Milestone

Oct. 7, 2010
The T700/CT7 family of turboprop and turboshaft engines currently powers 25 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

GE Commemorates 15,000 T700/CT7 Engine Milestone LYNN, Mass. - October 6, 2010 - GE Aviation commemorated delivery of its 15,000th T700/CT7 engine during a ceremony held at the facility.

Hundreds of employees and retirees attended the celebration along with special guests from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps, plus key airframe customers.

"The T700/CT7 engine is a remarkable story, one that just continues to evolve," said Ed Birtwell, Vice President of GE's Turboshaft/Turboprop Project Department. "Its longevity and success are only possible because of the engine's performance in the field, our great customers, and the commitment of our employees to design, manufacture, assemble and test the best engines in the world."Lt. Gen. James H. Pillsbury, U.S. Army Materiel Command deputy commanding general, applauded GE workers for their role in making the T700/CT7 a mainstay engine line for the nation's defense. "Thanks to the T700 engines and the platforms they power, our soldiers and pilots can accomplish their important missions. You are a valued partner; and the T700 plays an important part in helping us maintain global security."

Members of the GE Assembly team presented the 15,000th engine certification to Lt. Col. Kevin Sellers (USAF), Defense Contract Management Agency Commander at GE Aviation, at the conclusion of the event.

Developed for the U.S. Army to overcome the many obstacles 1960s era helicopter engines experienced in Southeast Asia, the T700/CT7 turboshaft was designed to operate reliably in any environment and be easily maintained. Upon service entry in 1978 in the Black Hawk, the engine quickly proved its mettle in helicopter service, and its operational benefits also made it an ideal turboprop powerplant.

Over the years, the T700/CT7 line has become increasingly more powerful and reliable. Many technological advances have been incorporated into the subsequent growth versions. Current models in the 1,500-3,000 shaft-horsepower range retain all the proven features and operating characteristics of earlier versions while delivering enhanced performance.

The successful T700/CT7 family of turboprop and turboshaft engines currently powers 25 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in service with more than 130 customers in more than 50 countries. This engine family has accumulated over 50 million engine flight hours of experience.

T700/CT7 helicopter engines power a variety of commercial and military applications including transport, utility and attack, medical evacuation, air rescue, special operations and marine patrol. They serve all five branches of the U.S. military and numerous international customers.

Prime turboshaft applications include the Sikorsky Black Hawk, Seahawk, Jayhawk, Pave Hawk, S-70, S/H-92, CH-148 and VIP transport helicopters; the Boeing AH-64 Apache, Bell UH-1Y Huey, AH-1W and AW-1Z Super Cobra and 214ST Super Transport, Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite, NHIndustries NH90, AgustaWestland AW101 and new AW149. The rear-drive T700/701K engine is being developed for the new Korean Aircraft Industries Surion helicopter.

T700 military engines have earned a reputation for exceptional performance in combat and under the worst environmental conditions. Keeping the Warfighter's requirements a top priority, the T700 is designed to be rugged, reliable and easily maintainable, current models apply advanced technology yet are still maintainable with standard ground-support equipment. T700 engines powered the vast majority of U.S. rotorcraft in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

The CT7 turboprop powers the Saab 340, Airbus Military CN235 and the IAE CN235. Turboprop service experience includes regional airlines, VIP military transport, maritime patrol, electronic surveillance and utility operations.

GE-Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit www.ge.com/aviation