The US Army is looking for new engine manufacturers for its CH-47F Chinook helicopters. The reason is the recurring delays in delivery of Honeywell's T55 turbocharger.
“Our only concern with the Chinook engine right now is that it is an old design and the OEM that is making it is, quite frankly, struggling to keep up with demand.”, says Maj. Gen. Thomas Todd, program director for US Army aviation. “The only thing that would interest us is if the supply base doesn't meet the demand. To whom do we turn? Where do we go back? We are not there yet.”
The Army says the company is on schedule with deliveries of its T55, but the service is concerned the manufacturer has previously fallen behind. By means of a note, the company Honeywell made a statement.
“Our dedication to continually improving the T55 is a testament to more than five decades of success working alongside the US Army to protect and serve its soldiers”, says Dave Marinick, Vice President of Engines at Honeywell. “We are contracted in the US. Army at T55, and we hope to stay there”.
The CH-47F Block I engine replacement discussion comes as Boeing, the US Army and GE Aviation are testing the more powerful GE T408 turbocharged engine in a CH-47, with the intention of possibly doubling the turboshaft in block II of the aircraft already in progress to upgrade prototype program.
The GE408 produces 7.500 hp. The Block II is an updated version of the cargo helicopter, currently undergoing prototyping and testing. It would add new rotor blades, a redesigned fuel tank and an improved drivetrain.
Also for this month of October, ground tests are scheduled for the Chinook equipped with the GE T408, the test is scheduled to last six weeks.
Honeyweell, which is still interested in offering the engines for the Chinooks, issued a second note saying that “created an improved version of the T55 that has 20% more power at sea level, nearly 10% more at high, hot altitudes, and 9% less fuel burn.”
source: Flight Global
