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GE38 Sets Horsepower Record in Early Testing

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

October 6, 2009

thomas

GE38 Sets Horsepower Record in Early Testing
LYNN, Massachusetts — October 6, 2009 — The GE38 turboshaft engine
recently exceeded required power for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter
that Sikorsky Aircraft is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC),
reaching 7,300 shaft-horsepower and establishing a shaft-horsepower
record for the GE-Lynn facility.

“The GE38 continues to meet or exceed customer expectations as the first
engine to test (FETT) reaches the midpoint of its test cycle,” said
Harry Nahatis, GE38 program manager. “In addition to reaching the
significant shaft-horsepower milestone, the control system has operated
well, and vibrations have stayed within predicted limits.”

The GE38 FETT, which is scheduled to complete testing this year, has
accumulated data on more than 600 parameters, including pressures,
temperature and vibrations. Testing following the FETT phase will focus
on engine durability, altitude performance and environmental
compatibility.

GE ushered in a new era of helicopter propulsion on June 24, when first
full engine testing began.  Selected in December 2006 to power the
CH-53K helicopter for the USMC, 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.

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.

GE38 architecture is updated with new aerodynamic features for more
efficient operation, plus improved cooling schemes and materials for
added durability.  In addition, fuel consumption is substantially lower
than that of other engines in its power class (7,500 shp) for longer
range and/or heavier payloads.

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