General Electric’s CT7-8 engines were selected by the Lockheed Martin–led group that is producing the next U.S. presidential helicopter, dubbed the US101. Also, the Republic of Korea ordered CT7-8As to power three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for its presidential mission. Shipment of the -8As will start in 2006, with helicopter delivery in 2007. The CT7-8 engines feature an advanced, higher-flow compressor designed with new 3-D aerodynamic technology. The T700/CT7 engine family remains the only FAA-certified 2,600-shp class engine for medium-lift helicopters. T700-401Cs are being supplied to the U.S. Marine Corps for use in UH-1Y aircraft; the -401C engine gives the utility aircraft a 20% power increase. The U.S. Army has announced plans to convert the T700-701D to power both its Apache and Blackhawk helicopter fleets.
