GE’s CT7 engines selected for Poland’s Leonardo AW149 fleet

The Polish government selected GE Aerospace’s CT7-2E1 turboshaft engine to power its new fleet of Leonardo AW149 helicopters. As part of the recent contract announcement between the government of Poland and PZL-Swidnik, the Polish company fully owned by Leonardo, Poland will receive 64 CT7-2E1 engines along with spare engines for its 32 AW149 helicopters on order. Aircraft deliveries will start in 2023.

“After evaluating engine alternatives for the AW149 helicopter, we concluded that the CT7-2E1 engines best meet our needs from all aspects, such as performance, maintenance cost, reliability, and commonality with our existing Black Hawk and AW101 helicopters as well as the future Apache helicopters,” said Brig Gen Artur Kuptel, head of Poland’s armament agency.

The CT7-2E1 engine shares many commonalities with the CT7-8E engine that powers the AW101 aircraft for the Polish Navy and T700-701D engines that power the Black Hawk aircraft in service with the Polish Special Forces and National Police.

“The T700/CT7 engine’s robust track record as a highly reliable, workhorse powerplant is indisputable,” said Ron Hutter, vice president of turboshaft engine sales at GE Aerospace. “We are pleased that the government of Poland has chosen the CT7-2E1 and will provide world-class support for these engines as well as other T700/CT7 engines that are currently operating in or will be delivered to Poland throughout this decade.”

GE’s CT7-2E1 engines power the majority of Leonardo AW149 and AW189 helicopters in service today.

With more than 25,000 engines delivered to more than 130 customers in more than 50 countries to date, the T700/CT7 turboshaft engine family continues to represent a compelling option for proven, reliable power for dozens of applications around the world. The T700/CT7 family has surpassed more than 100 million total flight hours and demonstrated excellent reliability in all operating environments.

The T700/CT7 engine line has become increasingly more powerful and reliable since its inception. Many technological advances have been incorporated into the subsequent growth versions. Current models in the 2,000-to-3,000 shaft-horsepower range retain the proven features and operating characteristics of earlier versions while delivering enhanced performance.