GE Aerospace has revealed that it is working on a “revolutionary” next-generation propulsion system with Airbus Helicopters, and that it has recently completed the first stage of a research project with the airframer.
The announcement is notable not only for the potential advancement in technology it promises, but in that it represents a first collaboration between the European helicopter giant and the U.S.-based engine manufacturer.
In a press release detailing the news, GE said the ultimate goal of research project was to develop an engine “that sets new standards in efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.”
“Closing out the first stage of this joint study underscores the strength of our combined capabilities and shared vision for innovative rotorcraft propulsion solutions that will improve performance, efficiency and sustainability,” said Elissa Lee, executive director of commercial turboshaft engines at GE Aerospace.
Airbus Helicopters has a long-standing and deep relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines — which also has its headquarters in France — with most of its in-production airframes powered by Safran engines. The super medium H175 is one exception (with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C 67E engines), while the H135 is offered with a choice between the Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW206B3.
In the helicopter world, GE has established itself as a developer of powerplants for medium to heavy-lift aircraft. The T700 powers the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, Boeing AH-64 Apache and the Bell AH-1Z/UH-1Y. The 1,500- to 3,000-shaft horsepower GE CT7 — which is built on the T700 — notably powers the Bell 525, Sikorsky S-70 and S-92, and the Leonardo AW189.
Just last month, GE delivered the first two next-generation T901s to the U.S. Army for installation in the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Developed under the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), the 3,000-shaft horsepower promises improved fuel consumption, power, durability and cost. It was also set to power the winning aircraft in the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA), but that program was cancelled earlier this year.
The next phase of the GE/Airbus Helicopters research project will see the two “continue to focus on detailed designs and component efficiencies” with the goal of creating a propulsion solution to meet new sustainability objectives, GE said in the press release.
Next-generation engine development is a hot topic at Airbus Helicopters at the moment. Earlier this week, Pratt & Whitney Canada revealed it had been chosen — along with Collins Aerospace — to help Airbus develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the airframer’s PioneerLab demonstrator, while the Racer demonstrator is set begin trials of an “eco mode” that allows one engine in a twin-engine aircraft to idle during cruise flight early next year.
