Sikorsky’s RAIDER X Aircraft Receives Improved Turbine Engine
ITEP engine offers increased fuel efficiency and 50% more power than current engine
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has initiated the installation process of the U.S. Army's Improved Turbine Engine (ITEP) on its RAIDER X aircraft, designed to serve the Future Attack Reconnaissance (FARA) program.
The Improved Turbine Engine arrived at the Sikorsky facility in West Palm Beach on October 20, following which the technical teams and engineers from Sikorsky commenced the integration process into the RAIDER X.
Currently, RAIDER X is nearing completion at 98%, and following the installation of additional instrumentation, Sikorsky will promptly begin the engine integration. This will be succeeded by final system tests and check-outs, as well as engine turn-on and drive system check-out with the ITEP installed in the aircraft. Successful system checks will pave the way for flight acceptance testing, ultimately leading to the eagerly anticipated first flight.
The first flight of RAIDER X is anticipated to take place in late 2024, once the engine and aircraft receive approval for flight from the Army.
In addition to its application in the RAIDER X, the U.S. Army has plans to introduce the ITEP engine into its UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
Andy Adams highlighted the significant benefits of the ITEP engine, stating, "With increased fuel efficiency and 50% more power than the current engine, the ITEP engine is one of the cornerstones of Black Hawk modernization, enhancing the aircraft's lift capability and range. As the U.S. Army fields Future Vertical Lift aircraft, the Black Hawk will remain the foundational tactical air assault and utility aircraft for the U.S. Army."
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