WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE:
HON) is finalizing a new and improved T55 engine to power the U.S.
Army's Chinook helicopters. The newest upgrade for the legendary
T55 will offer over 20% more power at sea level, a nearly 10% power
increase at high and hot altitudes, and use 9% less fuel than
before. This new variant of the T55 will also greatly reduce
ownership costs, improving the overall value of what is already one
of the most battle-tested engines in the history of warfare.
This current round of optimization and risk-reduction testing is
a continuation of Honeywell's internally funded upgrade program for
the T55, which has powered Chinook helicopters around the globe for
more than five decades. The new T55 also represents the lowest risk
to integrate onto the Chinook, as it already fits in the existing
nacelle and maintains all the same connections to the aircraft.
"Honeywell is committed to continually improving the T55 engine
to meet military needs and developing reliable, time-tested engines
that require less maintenance and can withstand harsh
environments," said Dave Marinick,
vice president, engines, Honeywell Aerospace. "Our dedication in
continually improving the T55 is a testament to more than five
successful decades working alongside the U.S. Army to protect and
serve its soldiers."
The new T55 updates do not require changes to the helicopter
engine mount or engine interfaces, making the T55 engine the ideal
drop-in replacement. The upgrades include advanced compressor
technology, which results in more horsepower and range to continue
to support the evolving heavy lift needs of the Chinook. Other
benefits include reliability and maintainability improvements as
well as lower engine maintenance costs. This engine upgrade will be
fully compatible with the U.S. Army's existing T55 infrastructure,
tooling, support equipment and organic capabilities, thus further
reducing lifecycle costs compared with alternatives.
"Upgrading the combat-proven T55 is the lowest cost and lowest
risk path to keeping Chinook fleets operating at maximum
efficiency," Marinick said. "There is no better option for today's
warfighter."
The T55 engine has been in operation on the CH-47 Chinook
helicopter for nearly 57 years, with more than 6,000 T55 engines
having been produced and logging some 12 million hours of
operation.
"The engine is a stepping stone to what Honeywell believes could
be the lowest cost, best-value offering for propulsion power for
U.S. military future long-range assault aircraft (FLRAA), part of
the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Program," Marinick said.
The new offering will be available as both a new engine version
and a low-cost kit to upgrade engines during overhauls. More than
1,000 Chinook engines can increase their capabilities, while
simultaneously lowering operational costs.
For more information on the T55 engine upgrades, please visit
Honeywell at AUSA booth #1217 in Hall A at the Walter E. Washington
Convention Center.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually
every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace
business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin
electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components
and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more
fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer
skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com
or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology
company that delivers industry specific solutions that include
aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings
and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies
help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants,
supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world
smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information
on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
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SOURCE Honeywell