US Army accepts first FARA helicopter engine prototype
The T901 will not only power the US Army’s FARA winner but will also replace the T700 engine currently used on all AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black hawk helicopters. (Photo: Sikorsky)
Sikorsky has planned to start the installation process of the GE T901 engine in advance of ground testing and eventual flight testing of its FARA prototype.
The US Government has begun accepting deliveries of the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), paving the way for the maiden flight of the US Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototypes.
The first General Electric (GE) T901 flight test (FT) engine has already been delivered, with the second engine undergoing the acceptance process. Both engines will be delivered to FARA bidders Bell and Sikorsky by the end of October 2023.
The companies were expected to take delivery of the T901 in the spring of this year, however, the engine has faced ‘manufacturing challenges’.
‘GE Aerospace initiated testing of the first T901
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems]()
Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
-
![US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable]()
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
