Miles Jamison
Sikorsky, a business unit of global defense technology company Lockheed Martin, has conducted ground testing of a Black Hawk helicopter equipped with two of the U.S. Army’s new GE Aerospace engine.
Testing GE Aerospace’s T901 Improved Turbine Engines
Lockheed Martin said Wednesday the ground runs, which marked the first time a UH-60M Black Hawk was tested with the new T901 Improved Turbine Engines, or ITE, aimed to demonstrate the system functionality and health of the engine while determining the right setup for more efficient tests. It showcased the engine’s start-to-fly progression and included idle and fly modes with a disengaged rotor brake.
The test team, composed of experts from the Army and the two companies, concluded that all the systems of the modernized Black Hawk engine were functioning. The partners intend to conduct more advanced testing, including hover and forward flight tests.
Black Hawk Modernization
The T901 engines are designed to enhance the performance and range of the Black Hawk helicopter, which aligns with efforts to modernize the aircraft. The T901 ITE aims to boost the Black Hawk’s power by 50 percent and optimize fuel consumption.
Sikorsky is exploring the use of a modular open systems approach, digital backbone, and launched effects. The company is also working on digital twin technology to enhance safety and mission readiness.
Hamid Salim, vice president of Army and Air Force systems at Sikorsky, stated, “A modernized Black Hawk fleet will create new operational opportunities for the Army by extending the capabilities of a proven, fielded fleet to travel farther on less fuel and with more troops and cargo.”
