GE-Aviation of Lynn, Mass., has selected BAE Systems of Johnson City, N.Y., to develop and manufacture an electronic engine control unit (EECU) for the T700-701D rotorcraft engine.
GE-Aviation’s T700-701D, equipped with full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC), has been designated by the U.S. Army as the single-configuration engine for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.
The Army is upgrading its fleet of UH-60A and UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to the new UH-60M model. Part of the modernization program calls for updating the engines to the T700-GE-701D configuration.
The FADEC solution is designed to reduce engine maintenance and pilot workload, as well as enhance engine performance, as compared to the standard digital controls of Black Hawk aircraft currently in use.
The BAE System-delivered EECU provides dual-channel control to oversee the flow of engine fuel and variable engine geometries, as well as instills such functionality as electronic engine overspeed protection. Also of note, the FADEC system’s built-in prognostic tools interface with the helicopter’s health, utility, and management networks.
GE-Aviation’s order of BAE Systems’ EECU totals approximately 4000 units. Future orders of the T700-701D EECU are likely to bring the total production volume to 6000 units.
BAE Systems’ Johnson City facility is currently working on developing the new EECUs, whereas production of the units will take place at the company’s plant in Fort Wayne, Ind. For more information, visit www.na.baesystems.com.
