Abstract:
The U.S. Army's Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) Program (ITEP) will develop, integrate, test, and qualify the next generation turbo-shaft engine to be utilized in the Black Hawk (H-60) and Apache (AH-64E) helicopter fleets. The ITEP is a developmental program that will leverage the knowledge, technical expertise, and technological advancements gained during the Advanced Affordable Turbine Engine (AATE) Science and Technology (S&T) program. Because of the increased demand placed on the AH-64E and H-60 fleet over the last 15 years, the current engine can no longer produce the power necessary to execute rotary wing operations at the increased gross weights and in the unforgiving operational environments of the aviation lift and attack fleets. With changes in mission equipment packages driving continued airframe weight growth, power margins are decreasing and flight and sustainment costs are growing. While providing significant increases to power available, the ITE decreases sustainment costs relative to the current engine through advanced engine and sustainment technology. The ITE will fit inside the existing engine compartments of both the H-60 and AH-64E, but the enhanced ITE capability will require modifications to legacy aircraft. Integration trade study and analysis efforts were initiated with H-60 Black Hawk and AH-64E Apache platform Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce Engineering and Manufacturing Development risk. These efforts are helping define the mechanical, electrical, and software impacts to the air vehicle systems, as well as aircraft and engine performance impacts, while helping control program costs associated with development, test, reliability, and maintainability.