T700 Joint Field Service Evaluation Plan and Requirements

NCMS Project #: 140702/140724/140728

Problem: The T700-GE-401C engine are jointly operated in all military services, powering H-60, AH-64 and AH1 aircraft. These types of aircraft are operated in both erosive and maritime environments. These austere operating environments degrade compressor airfoil condition and performance.

Benefit: The overall benefits of the application of an EC/RC on compressor blades are significant such as:  increase time-on-wing, retain engine power, increase engine compressor life, decrease amount of infield compressor washes, decrease maintenance actions, and reduce environmental impact per each engine repair & overhaul. This coating will also decrease overall maintenance costs and reduce compressor replacement, and spares reduction. Due to overall compressor efficiencies fuel savings would also be achieved. Lastly, the coating on the compressor blades would reduce manufacturing of critical materials such as titanium and ultimately decrease spare parts procurements

Solution/Approach: The purpose of this project is to jointly develop the engineering change required for coating implementation of compressor blades. This project will leverage ongoing joint initiatives currently evaluating engine compressor Erosion/Corrosion Resistance Coating (EC/RC) for increased durability, with extensions to field testing and evaluations. This effort complements NAVAIR’s activity as joint service lead to explore the benefits of ER/CR on the H-60 helicopter and to qualify this coating on T700 engine components used by the services.

Impact on Warfighter:

  • Reduce logistics footprint
  • Reduce demand for expensive long lead time of compressor components
  • Improve maintenance capacity
  • Increase aircraft readiness and throughput

DoD Participation:

  • U.S. Navy (NAVAIR Patuxent River)

Industry Participation:

  • MDS Coating Technologies
  • GE Aviation
  • NCMS

Technology Focus Area(s):

  • Cost savings
  • Maintenance avoidance & reliability
  • Maintenance management improvement
  • Improved readiness