New engine architecture provides for power growth and improved fuel burn

Citation

(2006), "New engine architecture provides for power growth and improved fuel burn", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778daf.009

New engine architecture provides for power growth and improved fuel burn

New engine architecture provides for power growth and improved fuel burn

Keywords: Aerospace engineering, Aircraft components, Aerospace technology

Honeywell reports that its HTS900 Turboshaft Engine Model has been fitted with a new dual-centrifugal compressor architecture, which provides increased thermodynamic power capability, reduced fuel consumption and allows for future engine growth within the same engine footprint.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) engine certification is expected in the first half of 2007.

The new dual-centrifugal compressor enables increased engine power output within the same envelope to allow the engine to fit within a variety of new and existing aircraft. The dual-centrifugal compressor is more durable and resistant to foreign object damage (FOD) and erosion than other typical turbine engine compressors, and, with the new technology, reduces cost of operation for users.

The HTS900 engine has been selected to power the Bell 417 helicopter that will be used by the US Army to fulfill its Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) mission. In addition to the new, dual-centrifugal compressor, the engine incorporates a new case-tied gas producer (GP) shroud that maintains tight clearances regardless of gas temperature. Both components were derived from Honeywell's T800 engine program and the joint US Army/ Honeywell-funded Small Heavy Fuel Engine (SHFE) demonstrator program.

“With more shaft horsepower capability, the HTS900's compressor and turbine components will have the same service life limits, 15,000 cycles, previously defined by Honeywell,” said Doug Kult, Sales Director for Light/ Utility Helicopters at Honeywell. “The extensive service life designed into the HTS900's rotating components and its `on condition' maintenance management will also provide operators with reduced direct maintenance and aircraft operating costs.”

At sea level standard day conditions, the new compressor technology of an uninstalled HTS900 increases the engine's takeoff power output to 970 shaft horsepower. With its dual-channel fully automated digital electronic control (FADEC) control system and dual centrifugal compressor architecture, the HTS900 is extremely fuel efficient.

Honeywell's HTS900 development program has accumulated more than 600 hours, and has been underway since 2004. Honeywell is currently running with four test and certification engines fully configured with the FADEC and case-tied GP shroud.

Honeywell has also delivered all required flight test engines on schedule for Bell 417 and ARH development programs. The initial HTS900 FAA certification is expected in fourth quarter this year.

Honeywell has also informed us that its VXP Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) will be available as an option on the Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter.

“This application will provide EC 135 operators with the ability to record, monitor and diagnose data from numerous sensors, all in one box, without need for additional equipment,” explained Qua Le, Honeywell's HUMS Product Development manager. “The Honeywell VXP On-Board HUMS is an industry leader in rotor track and balancing, as well as vibration monitoring for engines and drive trains, including gear boxes.”

“An enhanced version of VXP under development will also contribute to expanding functionality to include capturing engine exceedance and usage, flight operations data and trends, all of which will be extremely valuable, especially in determining wear and tear on components or in the determination of contributing factors in the event of a system malfunction,” he added.

The VXP system includes on board sensors and a data processor, called the acquisition unit, which uses proprietary algorithms to calculate specific maintenance solutions.

“Honeywell's advanced algorithm sets it apart from competitive systems and provides significant cost avoidance while contributing to the reliability and safety of aircraft operation. This agreement is another confirmation of Honeywell's leadership in this area, Le said.”