US Army Selects GE For Advanced Engine Controls Technology Development

GE Aviation announced Monday that it has been selected by US Army to perform conceptual design and trade analysis on the Rotorcraft Advanced Engine Integrated Controls System (RAEICS) program.

The two year project will develop a conceptual design of an advanced engine control system to enable innovative, high performance propulsion capabilities for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms.

RAEICS will assess innovative engine controls technologies and architectures, and explore approaches to optimally integrate the advanced engine controls system with vehicle systems and subsystems. GE will participate in the RAEICS program with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

GE continues to support JMR/FVL development efforts through multiple programs to include the Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) program. GE is investing in the FATE program to ensure advanced engine technology is ready when required for FVL. FATE Inlet particle separator, compressor, combustor and turbine component tests are ongoing or completed. At the same time, hardware is being manufactured and assembled for engine testing.

FATE is aimed at demonstrating a 5,000-10,000 shp-class turboshaft with an 80% increase in power-to-weight ratio, 35% reduction in specific fuel consumption, 45% lower production and maintenance costs, 20% lower development cost and 20% longer design life. GE completed its FATE detailed design review in November, 2013. 

Harry Nahatis, GE Aviation’s general manager of advanced turboshaft programs said, “This RAEICS contract will enable GE to offer more innovative approaches to engine control systems for FVL.”

In addition to technologies developed through RAEICS and FATE, GE invests $1.8B annually in advanced technologies, such as 3D aero designs, Ceramic Matrix Composite materials, and additive manufactured components.

The Army and GE are also cooperating on other advanced technology programs including the Advanced Variable Speed Power Turbine (AVSPOT), Autonomous Sustainment Technology for Rotorcraft Operations (ASTRO), Alternative Engine Concepts Design and Analysis (AECDA) programs and the Advanced Affordable Turbine Engine (AATE).

Under the AATE effort which is demonstrating technologies applicable to the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) further development of Inlet Particle Separators is ongoing. Ensuring military rotorcraft engines have the capability to operate in severe sand and dust environments is of critical importance.