The Advanced Turbine Engine Company, LLC (ATEC), a Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney joint venture, has successfully completed testing of it...
The goal of ITEP is to develop and qualify an advanced 3000 horsepower turboshaft engine, primarily for UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters, that provides better performance for the warfighter at a lower operating cost.
The first HPW3000 engine performed extremely well in performance tests, demonstrating improved fuel efficiency which will allow for extended range and increased payload capabilities for the Black Hawk and Apache fleets.
US Army aims to operate an engine that has 50 percent additional power, with an increase of 25 percent in fuel efficiency and a 20 percent increase in engine life. Additionally, the Army program intends to reduce production and maintenance costs by 20-35 percent, while maintaining installation compatibility with the Black Hawk and Apache.
"The direct impact of fielding a 25 percent more fuel-efficient engine for the entire fleet represents an annual savings of $1 billion in operating and support costs versus the current engine," said Madden. "Providing extended range and payload also reduces the need for forward area refueling, which also saves time to perform the mission and reduces risks to troops in harm's way."
Black Hawk and Apache rotorcraft comprise approximately 75 percent of the Army's helicopter fleet, and ITEP is essential to ensuring these helicopters remain mission capable worldwide for the next 30 years or more. In addition to solving capability gaps for current rotorcraft, the ITEP engine provides the basis for the Army's planned Future Vertical Lift light and medium variants, which are eventually planned to replace current armed reconnaissance, utility, and attack helicopters.
