Browse > Home / Aeronautics News / GE’s GE38 Engine Initiates First Full Engine Testing

GE’s GE38 Engine Initiates First Full Engine Testing

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

July 7, 2009

thomas

LYNN, Massachusetts — July 7, 2009 — GE ushered in a new era of
helicopter propulsion on June 24 when the GE38 engine began its first
full engine test at GE Aviation’s Lynn, Massachusetts, facility.

Selected to power Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s CH-53K helicopter for
the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in December 2006, the GE38
represents the cornerstone for a new turboshaft/turboprop engine family,
with a revenue potential of more than $4 billion including heavy-lift
applications.

“This important milestone marks the beginning of the design validation
phase of the program and provides confidence the engine will be ready on
time to deliver unprecedented capability to the Marine Corps,” said
Harry Nahatis, GE38 Program Manager.

Testing of the GE38 is expected to run through 2011, concurrent with a
full U.S. military qualification test program. This testing, conducted
under a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program contract,
includes five ground-test engines that will accumulate more than 5,000
engine test hours, plus 20 flight-test engines for the CH-53K
development aircraft.

Capable of producing more than 7,500 shaft-horsepower at sea level, the
GE38 architecture is updated with new aerodynamics for more efficient
operation, plus improved cooling schemes and materials for added
durability.

The GE38 can provide up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to other
engines in its class for longer range and/or heavier payload. Added
power provides mission flexibility and enhanced hot/high aircraft
performance, while its simplified design translates to improved
reliability and a 50-80% operating and support cost advantage.

» Próximo Post - New airline to connect Belize with Cancun, Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula
« Post Aneterior - Assistair expands FBO services within the Spanish Mediterranean

Comments

¿Tiene algo que decir?

You must be logged in to post a comment.