The AW149 will become the UK’s new medium helicopter, bringing Leonardo’s latest-generation multi-role battlefield capability into service. Leonardo said the aircraft is designed for demanding missions and severe operational environments through a modern, reconfigurable design.
“The CT7 engine’s track record as a highly reliable, workhorse powerplant is indisputable,” said Breanne Escalante, general manager of Rotorcraft & Turboprop Engines at GE Aerospace. “We are pleased that the CT7-2E1 has been selected to power the UK NMH helicopter fleet and look forward to providing world-class support for these engines as well as all the T700/CT7 engines operated by the UK armed forces.”
GE Aerospace said the CT7-2E1 is already used by most operators of Leonardo’s AW149 and AW189 aircraft types. More than 300 CT7-2E1 engines have been delivered worldwide, accumulating more than 500,000 flight hours across operating environments.
The company said the engine has shown reliable performance in demanding operational and environmental conditions. It also said the CT7-2E1 offers lower engine weight, reduced fuel consumption and maintenance cost advantages compared with other engines in its power class.
The CT7-2E1 is described by GE Aerospace as the only modular engine in its class. That design allows operators to service individual modules in the field, reducing the need to return engines to a depot for maintenance.
The engine is part of GE Aerospace’s T700/CT7 family, which has accumulated more than 130 million flight hours. More than 25,000 T700/CT7 engines have been delivered worldwide and power 15 types of military and civilian helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
GE Aerospace said introducing the CT7-2E1 into the UK Ministry of Defence inventory will provide commonality with a large number of operators worldwide. The company said the engine will also complement a T700 model already in UK service, helping to reduce operational costs.
Leonardo said the AW149 combines advanced platform and system technologies, mission equipment and weapon options with high levels of safety, survivability and crashworthiness. The company said these features will give the UK armed forces an effective, resilient and cost-efficient capability.
The helicopter’s open systems architecture is intended to allow rapid and lower-cost integration of new technology as military requirements evolve. Leonardo said an active and mature AW149 supply chain is already in place to support delivery of the UK’s new medium-lift capability.
Leonardo said selection of the British-made AW149 will lead to the establishment of a cutting-edge production line in Yeovil. The company said the decision will strengthen UK sovereign skills, design and manufacturing, and intellectual property, while supporting thousands of jobs nationwide, boosting exports and contributing to the UK aerospace industry.
As part of the program, GE Aerospace will support Leonardo in delivering economic, social and environmental benefit programs under the UK’s Social Value Model Act. The work includes building, maintaining and overhauling CT7-2E1 engines and future exports from the UK at StandardAero’s Gosport facility for the NMH program.
GE Aerospace said the program will also include the manufacture and export of engine components at Barnes Aerospace’s Newton Abbott facility. The company will also draw on its facilities in Cheltenham, Cardiff, Prestwick and Gloucester for outreach to educational institutions, apprenticeship programs, employment equity work and environmental sustainability programs.
