The United States Army's iconic Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is set to receive a significant upgrade with the introduction of the new General Electric T901 engine. While the Army looks forward to future aircraft like the V-280 Valor, the Black Hawk will remain in service for many years. The V-280 Valor is not expected to enter service until around 2030 or 2031 and will not fully replace the Black Hawk. Therefore, upgrading the Black Hawk with more powerful engines is crucial.
General Electric has developed the T901 engine, which offers "50% more power," according to General Electric, compared to its predecessor, the T700/CT7 engine. This enhancement allows for improved performance in challenging environments. The new engine will first be installed on Black Hawks before being fitted to Apache helicopters as well.
The T901 engine also boasts increased efficiency, offering "25% better specific fuel consumption," according to General Electric. This improvement can extend operational range and reduce logistical burdens by decreasing fuel requirements.