GE Aerospace, Airbus Helicopters Exploring Engine Developments

FARNBOROUGH–GE Aerospace has revealed it is working to develop a new rotary-wing turboshaft engine with Airbus Helicopters.

The U.S. engine OEM declared on the third day of the Farnborough Airshow here that it had completed the first stage of research for the project with Airbus that has the ultimate aim of delivering an engine “that sets new standards in efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.”

Airbus Helicopters products have traditionally been powered by turboshafts provided by Safran Helicopters Engines and Pratt & Whitney Canada. Only the NHIndustries NH90 battlefield transport helicopter has GE’s CT7 engine as one of the powerplant options, but only a handful of customers have taken up that option, including Italy.

It is unclear whether the new development would be a conventional or hybrid engine, if it would be focused on a new Airbus Helicopters product, the re-engining of an existing aircraft or if it will be targeted at the commercial or military market. GE’s helicopter engines have traditionally been developed for larger helicopters, variants of the CT7 that power Bell’s 525 Relentless, Leonardo’s AW189 and the Sikorsky S-92.

One potential option could be a turboshaft derivative of the company’s new Catalyst turboprop.

GE Aerospace has made no secret of its desire for closer links with Airbus, particularly on widebody commercial aircraft. In the interim it has striven to build on existing ties through its CFM International partner Safran Aircraft Engines to develop a series of new technology demonstrators targeting advanced propulsion for next-generation single aisles.

Through CFM, the engine maker has signed up with Airbus for not just one but two major flight test programs on modified A380s. But the prospect of establishing potential new links through Airbus Helicopters opens a new avenue for interaction.

GE says that the first stage of the project focused on “foundational research” which has laid the groundwork for subsequent phases of development.

“Collaboration is key to innovation, and our partnership with Airbus exemplifies this,” says Elissa Lee, executive director of commercial turboshaft engines at GE Aerospace. 

“Closing out the first stage of this joint study underscores the strength of our combined capabilities and shared vision for innovative rotorcraft propulsion solutions that will improve performance, efficiency and sustainability,” Lee adds.

Airbus Helicopters had not responded with a comment by press time.