Engine Maker Seeks Additional Budget For Blackhawk Testing
General Electric Aerospace is warning that the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) needs additional funding in the fiscal 2027 budget to complete qualification testing for the new engine’s operability with Blackhawks. The program, which aims to develop a new engine for the Army’s Blackhawk and Apache fleets, has faced delays and was close to cancellation in the past. Despite progress made with the $175 million in fiscal 2026 funding and $63 million in reconciliation money, GE officials say that more money is needed to meet the hoped-for timeline. The engine is designed to provide a 50% increase in horsepower and a 25% improved fuel efficiency rate. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.