GE’s new Black Hawk engine achieves preliminary flight rating

GE Aerospace has successfully achieved a preliminary flight rating (PFR) for its newly designed T901 Improved Turbine Engine, intended to replace the existing T700 turboshaft in the UH-60M and AH-64E helicopters. The United States Army awarded this PFR following ongoing testing and evaluation of the new rotorcraft powerplant. Development of the T901 was undertaken as part of the broader Improved Turbine program. This milestone signifies an important step forward in the engine’s certification process. Further testing is scheduled to continue assessing the performance characteristics of the T901 engine.