29-Aug-2012
GE reports that four GE38 turboshaft engines in support of Sikorsky Aircraft’s CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter program under development for the U.S. Marine Corps, continue to demonstrate maturity and durable operating capabilities during testing at GE’s Lynn, Massachusetts, facility as well as MTU’s Munich, Germany, facility. A fifth factory test engine will join the program later this year. GE has also built seven engines for the CH-53K flight test program, with the 13 remaining engines to be manufactured during the next seven months.
To date, the four test engines have accumulated 2,300 total engine hours; a total of 5,000 hours will be logged on the five test engines by late 2013. Also, to date over 28 component tests demonstrating compliance to environmental requirements have been successfully performed.
The GE38 engine is designed to be the most modern and technologically advanced turboshaft engine in its class. Testing to date confirms the engine’s capability to withstand tough maritime operating environments for programs such as the United States Navy’s Ship to Shore Connector.
“We are pleased with the progress of the GE38 program. This system is a critical enabler for the tremendous capability the CH-53K will bring to the Corps. I continue to be optimistic about the performance of this engine,” said Colonel Robert Pridgen, the Marine Corps CH-53K Program Manager.
The GE38 is a viable candidate for a broad range of fixed-wing, marine and rotorcraft applications.
“GE’s strong commitment to technology investment and dedication to understanding and fulfilling customer requirements has resulted in an engine that will provide superior benefits for existing and future aircraft in its power class,” said Paul Acquaviva, GE Aviation’s GE38 program director. “GE is pleased with the progress made to date in the GE38 development program and remains committed to bringing it to closure on schedule.”
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.