UH-60M Transitions to GE Aerospace T901 Turbine Motors

Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk recently completed the first set of ground runs with its new and improved engine setup. The iconic utility helicopter was equipped with two GE Aerospace T901 turbine powerplants, marking a 50% power boost from its original T700s.

“The test demonstrated the T901’s start-to-fly progression, including idle and fly modes, with the rotor brake disengaged, marking a significant step toward the program’s goal of delivering a more powerful and efficient engine for the next-generation Black Hawk,” Sikorsky stated.

Both US Army and Sikorsky pilots were involved in the initial light off and ground runs. They executed a series of tests on the chopper’s fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and flight control systems. Later this year, the design is expected to progress towards hovering and forward flight.

The event is not only the first time that a UH-60 has been fired up with the new turboshaft engine, but also the T901 Improved Turbine Engine’s (ITE) debut on an aircraft. All previous checks have been conducted on a ground test stand.

“Soldiers will rely on Black Hawk helicopters well into the future, and upgrades to the aircraft today will pay dividends for decades, enabling new missions such as deploying and managing launched effects,” expressed Hamid Salim, Sikorsky’s VP of Army and Air Force Systems. “A modernized Black Hawk fleet will create new operational opportunities for the Army by extending the capabilities of a proven, fielded fleet to travel farther on less fuel and with more troops and cargo.”

The T901 was originally developed for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The engine was installed and completed ground runs with the project’s prototype, the coaxial Raider X, before the entire gig was scrapped in 2024.

Fortunately for GE Aerospace, FARA’s fallout left the door open for the T901 to be fitted on the Army’s entire Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache fleet. This update will give a 50% power increase from the UH-60’s current 2,000 shp GE Aerospace T700 engine.

The power boost is just one of many features that Sikorsky has contributed to the Black Hawk modernization effort. The most significant of these was producing an autonomous flight package that allows the UH-60 to perform as an Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV). This capability has already been demonstrated through several uncrewed sorties.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com/blackhawk