PHOENIX, Dec. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(NASDAQ: HON) has reached a significant milestone with the U.S.
Army by being the first engine to test (FETT) as part of its
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for the
next-generation engine for Chinook helicopters. The CRADA program
and testing of the T55-714C engine is planned over a two-year
period to validate the benefits and ease of integration of the new
engine variant onto the Chinook platform. This will allow the U.S.
Army to evaluate the capabilities of the newest rendition of
Honeywell's battle-proven T55 engine.
Testing of the first T55-GA-714C engine was successfully
initiated at Honeywell's Phoenix
test facilities in November to verify the design and establish the
performance benchmark in preparation for the engine installation on
the flight test aircraft. This is an essential next step for the
U.S. Army to test the new T55-GA-714C engine capability for its
latest CH-47 Chinook helicopters. To date, the engine has tested
through Maximum Continuous Power, demonstrating mechanical
operation and acquiring key performance data. Additional
testing is planned at significantly higher power levels.
"First engine to test is a significant achievement for the
program and is the culmination of detailed design work, component
manufacturing, system integration and validation. Now all the
engineering is coming to life in the rigorous testing of this
enhanced engine for the U.S. Army," said Dave Marinick, president, Engines and Power
Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. "This engine is a natural incremental
complement for the Chinook, keeping the platform relevant for the
next generation of warfighters. We are confident that our 714C
engine will exceed the expectations of the U.S. Army."
With 6,000 horsepower, Honeywell's upgraded engine is 23% more
powerful and consumes 8% less fuel than the current T55, even in
the most demanding operating conditions. New modifications also
make the next-generation T55 easier to maintain with lower
operating costs, delivering increased readiness for the
warfighter.
"We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army on the CRADA program
for the next-generation T55-GA-714C engine," said Steven Williams, vice president, Defense
Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace. "We will be able to demonstrate
the power, capability and reliability of the upgraded engine to the
U.S. Army. Additionally, we are on track and on schedule to deliver
the new engines and meet the U.S. Army's needs."
The T55-GA-714C engine is specifically designed for
next-generation military operators and will improve the Chinook
helicopter's ability to lift troops and heavy cargo for the U.S.
Army. Because the engine is based closely on the T55 version
currently in use, minimal airframe modifications are required — the
same intake, exhaust and engine airframe mounts are used. This
design provides the U.S. Army with a major engine improvement
without the need to retrain their maintenance and operational staff
or undertake major aircraft changes.
In 2020, Honeywell won a competitive repair and overhaul
contract for the T55. In addition, Honeywell completed a new,
world-class engine repair and overhaul facility in Phoenix. That move allowed the repair and
overhaul work on the T55-GA-714A engine to be fulfilled in the same
location as new engine production. The T55 center of excellence
provides for a shared workforce, facilities and engineering
resources between both engine lines and delivers up to 20 engines
per month to the U.S. Army, foreign military and commercial
customers.
Honeywell first delivered the T55 engine to the U.S. Army in
1961 at 2,200 shaft horsepower on the CH-47A helicopter. Since that
time, the engine's power has nearly tripled to 6,000 shaft
horsepower. Each performance increase on the T55 is accompanied by
reduced fuel burn, increased reliability and decreased maintenance
hours. The T55 engine is the world leader in powering heavy lift
helicopters. Over 900 CH-47 helicopters are operated today by
various militaries around the world.
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 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.
Contacts:
Media
Adam Kress
+1 (602) 760-6252
adam.kress@honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell