[JLRC]

GE T700-T6E1 Powers NH90 Helicopter
 
 
(Source: GE Aircraft Engines; issued Oct. 8, 2004)
 
 
 LYNN, Massachusetts --- On September 15, the first GE-powered Italian production NH90 helicopter flew for the first time powered by two GE T700/T6E1 engines.  
 
The 30-minute flight at the Agusta SpA facility in Vergiate, Italy, tested the aircraft throughout the basic flight envelope, during which the engines performed flawlessly.  
 
The NH90 is a multi-role helicopter designed, developed, and produced by NH Industries, a joint venture of AgustaWestland (Italy), Eurocopter (France/Germany), Fokker (The Netherlands), and OGMA (Portugal).  
 
The Italian Ministry of Defense (MOD) selected the T700-T6E1 engine to power 60 NH90 aircraft for the Italian Army and 56 NH90s for the Italian Navy. The MOD also placed options for 160 additional engines. Delivery of the first production aircraft is scheduled to begin in late 2005.  
 
Rated in the 2500-shp (shaft horsepower) class, the T700-T6E1 engine features an advanced, increased-airflow compressor and a dual-channel, full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. The engine was co-developed by GE and Avio SpA of Turin, Italy. Avio will also assemble and test the engines for the Italy NH90 program.  
 
“We are very pleased to achieve this important milestone,” said Ed Birtwell, GE’s general manager, Turboshaft Engines. “The T700-T6E1 is a great engine for the NH90, combining the power and efficiency of a modern engine with extensive operational experience.”  
 
Since the first T700 entered service in 1978, T700s and their civil counterparts, the CT7s, have amassed more than 50 million flight-hours powering aircraft in service throughout the world, while setting new standards for reliability and availability.  
 
GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft.  
 
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[JLRC]

Production of Forward Fuselages for the NH90 in Progress  
 
 
(Source: Saab Aerostructures; issued Dec. 3, 2004)
 
 
 Saab Aerostructures has now completed the production of the first three forward fuselages of the NH90 helicopter for Eurocopter. A total of 270 forward fuselages for the helicopter will be delivered by Saab Aerostructures. The NH90 is a new product for Saab Aerostructures and entails new methods and technology.  
 
The first three of a total of 270 forward fuselages for the NH 90 are now completed at Saab Aerostructures in Linköping Two of them have been delivered to Eurocopter in Germany and the third forward fuselage will be delivered around mid December. From there the forward fuselages will be transported onward to one of the final assembly locations in Finland, Italy, Germany or France.  
 
For Saab Aerostructures, work on the NH90 project began in 2002 and components production began late 2003. Saab Aerostructures will deliver 270 forward fuselages for the NH90 for around 15 years.  
 
“The NH90 is a new product for us and entails new methods and technology. As a result we are broadening and developing our business unit. The business also extends over a long period of time which provides stability,” says Pontus Kallén, head of Saab Aerostructures.  
 
The project has entailed new investments and the use of new technology, including a structural rivet bonding technique. In order to apply the new technology, investments in a large new oven for curing of bonded assemblies were necessary. The forward fuselage of the NH90 comprises some 200 different composite parts and 15 metallic parts.  
 
Prior to work on the NH90, all personnel received extensive training to familiarize themselves with the drawings and specifications and the new production methods. A number of shorter training sessions have been carried out for personnel from Saab Aerostructures at Eurocopter in Germany.  
 
“Everyone has shown tremendous commitment and worked hard to get the first forward fuselage ready on time,” says Håkan Johansson-Öijer, NH90 project manager.  
 
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