A further boost for the already popular GE T700/T6E1 turbine-14,000 sold to 130 customers in 55 countries-has come with its selection by Italy to power the NH Industries NH90 helicopter.

The family of turbines was co-developed, and will be produced by GE aircraft engines and FiatAvio. AIDC of Taiwan is a risk- and revenue-sharing participant.

A civil variant, the CT7-8, has been selected as exclusive power plant for the Sikorsky S-92 Helibus. It has successfully completed all certification trials, including the first-ever blade-out test of a turboshaft engine.

By Paul Jackson