CT7-2E1 development progressing well for AW189/AW149 helicopters

GE Aviation continues to make significant progress on development of its CT7-2E1 engine, the newest variant in its commercial turboshaft engine line. The CT7-2E1 was chosen in 2006 by AgustaWestland to power its AW189/AW149 family of helicopters.

The 2000-SHP-class CT7-2E1 is currently flying on multiple AW189/AW149 flight-test aircraft and the engine is proceeding well through a planned series of both ground and flight tests. GE is currently gearing up for initial production engine deliveries to AgustaWestland later this year.

"The development program is on schedule and we are working closely with AgustaWestland to make sure that our engine certification plan  is closely aligned with the target to deliver AW189/AW149 helicopters to customers, " said Ed Birtwell, vice president and general manager of the GE's Turboshaft/Turboprop Project Department. The latest version of the highly successful CT7 family is being designed with an emphasis on low fuel consumption, low cost-of-operation and with other technical features to ensure the aircraft requirements of long-range, high-speed and Category A performance. The CT7-2E1 engine leverages the full heritage of the T700/CT7 engine family while incorporating a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Control (FADEC) and advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.

The CT7/T700 familiy boasts more than 60 million operating hours in civil and military experience worldwide. Its modular design, which retains the same installation envelope of earlier CT7/T700 models, combines with superior erosion/corrosion features to help ensure easy maintenance and lower life-cycle costs.