Army Persists with New Engine Tests for Black Hawk and Apache Despite Funding Challenges
The U.S. Army continues to test a new engine for its UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters, despite proposals to end the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP). The engine, designed by General Electric, has been installed in a Black Hawk and performed well in flight tests up to 4,000 feet.
The Army is using existing funds to keep the ITEP going, testing the engine both in the air and on the ground. Despite facing challenges like funding issues, development delays, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is still ongoing. The engine is currently in the engineering and testing phases, with rigorous evaluations to meet performance and reliability requirements.
The Army's focus remains on improving the Black Hawk and Apache, with projects like common cockpit architecture and launched effects integration. Meanwhile, the future of the ITEP engine is uncertain due to the Army Transformation Initiative. However, Congress may provide additional funding in the fiscal 2026 budget.
The Army has not terminated the ITEP program, and testing continues on the General Electric-designed engine. The engine's future depends on funding decisions and the Army's priorities. Important data has been gathered from integrating the ITEP onto competitive prototypes for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, even after the FARA program was canceled.
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