Honeywell has invested nearly $100 million across its AGT1500 engine supply chain and production network over the past three years. That spending includes supplier development, equipment and tooling upgrades, material reserves and expanded in-house manufacturing.
“Supporting the venerable AGT1500 requires more than just ordering parts from suppliers,” said Kathy Worthen, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer at Honeywell Aerospace. “It requires sustained investment across the entire industrial base that supports them.”
“We are strengthening manufacturing capacity, investing in our supply chain and expanding critical capabilities across the AGT1500 ecosystem to ensure Abrams operators have the support they need today and well into the future,” Worthen said. The company announced further investment in the program but did not give a separate amount for the additional spending.
Honeywell qualified its precision machining Center of Excellence to manufacture the AGT1500 compressor impeller. The additional source supports the Army’s Total Integrated Engine Revitalization, or TIGER, program.
Engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and customer support teams worked together to accelerate qualification and production. Honeywell said hardware was delivered months ahead of schedule, doubling the component’s supply.
The AGT1500 gas turbine has powered the M1 Abrams family since the early 1980s. It produces 1,500 horsepower and, according to Honeywell, can propel a 72-ton tank to speeds of up to 42 miles per hour.
The compact engine can operate on multiple fuels and supports cold starting. Honeywell also identifies rapid acceleration and quiet operation among its features.
AGT1500 engines have accumulated more than 40 million operating miles with Abrams fleets worldwide. Honeywell continues to support modernization and sustainment through TIGER, with upgrades intended to improve reliability, performance and operational availability.
