April 2, 2003 -- EVENDALE, Ohio - GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) T700 helicopter engine will power Japan's new fleet of Apache attack helicopters in an engine order valued at $50 million.
The Japan Defense Agency (JDA) selected the T700-701C engine to power up to 80 Boeing AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2005.
"GE's T700 engine is the most proven helicopter engine in the world," said Ed Birtwell, general manager, Turboshaft Engines for GEAE. "Selection of the T700 engine reaffirms the strong commitment between Japan and the U.S. We are pleased that the JDA has placed their continued trust in this remarkable powerplant."
The T700-701C engine shares commonality with the current Japanese fleet of helicopter engines, and builds upon the existing support infrastructure to reduce cost. The T700/CT7 engine family provides higher reliability and reduced maintainability compared with other engines in its class, and has proven itself in battle, extreme environments, and in commercial revenue service. The T700-701C powers the latest AH-64D Apaches and UH-60L Black Hawk variants. The engine continually offers proven performance and experience, high reliability, low maintenance costs, and interoperability with U.S. and international Apache operators.
With an installed base of more than 12,000 engines, GE's T700/CT7 turboshaft and turboprop engines are the most widely used engines in their class. The engines currently power 19 types of civil and military helicopters, as well as regional airliners, military transports, and multipurpose aircraft. In 23 years of operational service, more than 130 customers have accumulated more than 40 million flight hours on T700/CT7 engines. Another engine in the T700/CT7 family, the T700/T6A1 is currently being considered for the Japanese MCH-X (Minesweeper & Cargo Helicopter) program.
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.
Deb Case
GE Aviation
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1-513-243-0094
1-859-380-8463