CH-46E ERIP Engines In Full Production

General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts has attained the full production rate for new gas path modules used in the T58-GE-16A Engine Reliability Improvement Program (ERIP). The ERIP enhances the safety and reliability of Marine Corps CH-46E transport helicopters by upgrading -16 engines during overhaul at the Naval Aviation Depot at Cherry Point, North Carolina. With the depot due to match the factory production rate of eight engines per month in September, the Naval Air Systems Command CH-46/T58 program office (PMA-226) expects all 446 ERIP engines will be delivered by 2008. The Boeing CH-46E is now expected to remain in Marine Medium Lift Squadrons through 2017 pending replacement by the MV-22 Osprey. CH-46E Squadron HMM-266 received the first four Low Rate Initial Production ERIP engines in April.

The T58-16A ERIP is meant to extend time between removals and sustain rated power of the CH-46E engine in fleet service. The upgrade incorporates a new compressor, combustor and high-pressure turbine, plus modifications to the power turbine and engine accessory package. Projected time between removals for the improved turboshaft is now 700 to 900 hours, double current fleet averages, and should increase with experience. According to PMA-226 T58 deputy program manager Andy Wilkinson, "Our goal is to stay on-the-wing 1,200 hours instead of coming in every 300 to 400 hours." One -16A test engine has already exceeded 1,500 hours in accelerated service testing.

With CH-46E transmission limits fixed, the 1,870 shp bench rating of the T58-GE-16 engine remains unchanged. However, tighter production tolerances have given -16A engines average power margins 8.5% better than specification, more than twice the margin of typical production engines. The higher margins will help preserve full rated power over the service life of the upgraded engine and will improve performance in hot-and-high emergencies.

The T58-GE-16A Engine Reliability Improvement Program was preceded by a CH-46E/D Engine Control System program incorporating commercially-derived control improvements developed by Logic Corporation in Italy and integrated by Boeing.

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