Improved Turbine Engine Program

The Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) is a critical Army initiative under Program Element 0607139A, designed to modernize and enhance the propulsion systems of the Army's Black Hawk and Apache helicopters. The primary goal of ITEP is to develop, test, qualify, and integrate a next-generation turboshaft engine that replaces the legacy T700 engine, which dates back to the 1970s. This modernization effort directly supports the Army's broader modernization priorities and the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to restore and improve operational capabilities in Army aviation.

The Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) is engineered to meet demanding operational requirements, specifically the 6K/95 standard operating at 6,000 feet pressure altitude and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The new engine is designed to fit within the existing engine bays of both Black Hawk and Apache helicopters, providing a significant increase in power output while also improving fuel efficiency. Additional objectives include extending engine design life, increasing reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and compensating for aircraft weight growth, all without increasing the logistics footprint.

The program encompasses a comprehensive set of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities. These include systems engineering and program management, detailed design engineering, design assurance, hardware manufacturing and testing, component and module-level development and testing, as well as system-level testing and qualification. Platform integration and qualification are also key objectives, ensuring that the new engine can be seamlessly incorporated into existing helicopter fleets.

FY 2025 activities focus on continuing Preliminary Flight Rating (PFR) testing, detailed test planning, delivery of flight test engines, and ongoing Black Hawk aircraft testing. The program achieved its first flight milestone in May 2025. Congressional funding increases in FY 2025 support continued Test Cell engine testing and Black Hawk integration activities, allowing the program to maintain momentum and preserve critical technology in line with Army priorities.

Program management and execution are led by the Program Management Office (PMO) Aviation Turbine Engines Project Office at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The Army awarded a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to GE Aerospace for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. Additional platform integration contracts were awarded to Boeing and Sikorsky. The program's acquisition strategy includes a serial approach to engine integration across the two helicopter platforms, following the Army Aviation Investment Rebalance of February 2024.

Budget and funding details reveal significant investment in product development, management services, engineering support, and test and evaluation. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, funding is allocated to engine development, platform integration, and engineering support, with Congressional adds in FY 2025 specifically enabling continued testing and integration work. The FY 2026 request was reduced to promote efficiencies and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives.