Yesterday, the American company Sikorsky announced that it has begun initial testing of the new T901 ITE engine, which will equip the modernized UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters of the U.S. Army. The engine, manufactured by GE Aerospace, underwent rigorous ignition tests while integrated into a stationary aircraft. These tests were conducted by a combined team of company employees and military personnel.
Regarding this, Hamid Salim, Sikorsky’s current Vice President of Army and Air Force Systems, stated: “Soldiers will continue to rely on Black Hawk helicopters for a long time, and the upgrades being made today will pay dividends for decades, enabling new missions such as deploying and managing launched effects (…) A modernized Black Hawk fleet will create new operational opportunities for the Army by extending the capabilities of a proven and in-service fleet to travel farther with less fuel and carry more troops and cargo.”
Expanding on some details, Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary confirmed that the first flight of the platform equipped with the T901 ITE engine is scheduled for this year, pending the success of the recently conducted ground tests. During these tests, the engine’s startup and flight mode functionality were verified, including electrical, hydraulic, and fuel distribution systems. Next, the system will undergo similar static flight evaluations.
In terms of capabilities, Sikorsky has reported that the new T901 ITE engine will provide the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with up to 50% more power compared to the previous T700 models, reaching an estimated 3,000 horsepower. This also translates into significant improvements in fuel efficiency. Additionally, with the new engine installed, these helicopters are expected to achieve extended operational range, increased payload capacity, and greater resilience to harsh environmental conditions.
Lastly, it is worth remembering that the T901 ITE engine was originally developed to equip Sikorsky’s Raider X helicopters, which were proposed for the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. However, this program was ultimately canceled in 2024 due to concerns about its relevance in modern warfare. The engine design has been under Army control since 2023, when two test prototypes were delivered. Despite FARA’s cancellation, these prototypes allowed development to progress with reduced risks for its eventual integration into the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Image credits: Lockheed Martin
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