GE's newest commercial turboshaft engine, the CT7-2E1, received its FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Type Certification on June 12, paving the way for its role as powerplant for the twin-engine AgustaWestland AW189 helicopter.

The CT7-2E1 engine is the latest civil-certified addition to the CT7/T700 family of engines with a full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system and state-of-the-art hot section for power and reliability.

“We are very pleased with the successful certification of the CT7-2E1,” said Lisa Coroa-Bockley, GE's CT7 Programs Director. “GE has a proven track record of continuously advancing engines with new technology to support the extensive demands for power, quality and reliability of new aircraft applications. The AW189 is an example of a great match of an advanced new helicopter with state-of-the-art engine technology.”

The first production-certified CT7-2E1 engines will be delivered to AgustaWestland in June.

The CT7-2E1 engine is a 2,000-shaft-horsepower-class engine based on the successful T700/CT7 engine family architecture. The highly reliable T700/CT7 design has proven itself in harsh environments and has achieved nearly 90 million engine flight hours. The T700/CT7 has extensive experience in battlefield operations for the U.S. military and international militaries in a variety of combat and utility helicopter applications, as well as vast experience in a variety of commercial helicopter and fixed-wing applications.

The AW189 is the newest commercial application for the CT7 turboshaft. The aircraft's primary role will be to support the offshore oil industry and expansion of drilling, but will also be employed in many other roles and missions.