LHTEC T800 Engine Scores Double First

Within the space of a week earlier this month, the LHTEC T800 turboshaft engine made initial flights after retrofit in two types of helicopter.

First off, on June 6, a Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche attack helicopter flew for the first time on the power of a pair of -801 versions of the T800 at West Palm Beach, Florida. Six days later, two CTS800-4N variant engines powered an AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 at Yeovil, England.

The T800, product of a 50:50 joint venture by Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, is standard equipment on the Comanche, the U.S. Army's next-generation combat rotorcraft. It is a future option on the Lynx, previous versions of which are powered by Rolls-Royce Gems.