The Polish Government has selected GE Aerospace’s CT7-2E1 turboshaft engine to power its new fleet of Leonardo AW149 helicopters. As part of the recent contract announcement between the Government of Poland and PZL-Swidnik, the Polish company, fully owned by Leonardo, Poland, will receive 64 CT7-2E1 engines along with spare engines for its 32 AW149 helicopters on order. Aircraft deliveries will start in 2023.
The CT7-2E1 engine shares many commonalities with the CT7-8E engine that powers the AW101 aircraft for the Polish Navy and T700-701D engines that power the Black Hawk aircraft in service with the Polish Special Forces and National Police. “The T700/CT7 engine’s robust track record as a highly reliable workhorse powerplant is indisputable,” said Ron Hutter, vice president of turboshaft engine sales at GE Aerospace.
“We are pleased that the Government of Poland has chosen the CT7-2E1 and will provide world-class support for these engines as well as other T700/CT7 engines that are currently operating in or will be delivered to Poland throughout this decade.” GE’s CT7-2E1 engines power the majority of Leonardo AW149 and AW189 helicopters in service today.