Sikorsky Tests Modernized Black Hawk with GE Aerospace T901 Engines
The new GE Aerospace engine will enhance the performance and range of the legendary Black Hawk.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has begun ground testing for the first time on a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter equipped with two T901 Improved Turbine Engines (ITE) from GE Aerospace. During the test, the T901 engine demonstrated its capabilities through a series of rigorous procedures. The initial startup and ground evaluations were conducted by a joint U.S. Army and industry test team, with participation from Army and Sikorsky pilots.
"Soldiers will rely on Black Hawk helicopters for many years, and the current upgrades will provide long-term benefits, enabling new missions such as the deployment and management of launched effects," said Hamid Salim, Vice President of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. "A modernized Black Hawk fleet will unlock new operational opportunities for the Army, extending the capabilities of a battle-proven aircraft by allowing it to fly farther with greater fuel efficiency while carrying more troops and cargo."
A Milestone in Black Hawk Evolution
"These tests mark a historic moment as the T901 engine powers the Black Hawk for the first time," said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. "This achievement paves the way for a more powerful, mission-ready Black Hawk, equipping the U.S. Army to meet the growing demands of future operations."
Advancing Toward First Flight
The ground tests with the T901 ITE engines validated system functionality, engine health, and test configurations to ensure an efficient process.
The test demonstrated the "start-to-fly" progression, including idle and flight modes with the rotor brake disengaged—an important milestone toward delivering a more powerful and efficient engine for the next generation of Black Hawks.
This testing process evaluates the full system's functionality, from engine startup to main rotor engagement for takeoff. The test team verified the performance of critical systems, including fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and flight control components.
Factory testing continues in parallel with this integration effort. According to GE Aviation, the data collected during these tests confirms that the T901 engine is on track to meet the U.S. Army’s stringent performance requirements. The success of this ground test paves the way for more advanced evaluations, including hover and forward flight tests.
A Modernized Black Hawk
The T901 engine will increase the Black Hawk’s power by 50%, enhance fuel efficiency (extending its range), and serve as a key component in the roadmap toward a modernized Black Hawk.
Sikorsky’s UH-60M modernization efforts focus primarily on the ITE, alongside Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)/digital infrastructure and launched effects. Digital innovations, such as a new maintenance digital twin, improve safety and operational readiness while reducing downtime and unscheduled maintenance. Since 2022, the company has also been working on reducing Black Hawk pilot workload by integrating autonomous algorithms.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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