Engine Overview
The "marinized" -401 was the first engine qualified under the U.S. Navy's rigorous salt ingestion tests, proving its suitability for shipboard operation..
Originally chosen for the SH-60 Seahawk, the -401 remains in production for Kaman SH-2G and AH-1W/AH-1Z helicopters. The -401 also is the chosen powerplant for the U.S. Marines Corps' upgrade program for the UH-1Y.
The -401C is a higher power variant of the marinized -401. It powers the H-60 series of naval and search and rescue helicopters.
The U.S. Marine Corps is re-engining its fleet of UH-1N helicopters with T700-401C turboshaft engines as part of its program to upgrade them to the "4BN" or UH-1Y configuration, which will be equipped with a four-blade rotor, an improved tail rotor and an increased-rating transmission. USMC AH-1W helicopters, similarly upgraded to the "4BW" or AH-1Z configuration, are currently undergoing flight testing, powered by T700-401 engines, with upgrades to the engine expected soon. The T700/CT7 engine family provides greater reliability and maintainability compared with other engines in its class. The T700/CT7 family has proven itself in battle, extreme environments, and in commercial revenue service, amassing more than 50 million engine flight hours.
With an installed base of more than 11,000 engines, GE's T700/CT7 turboshaft and turboprop engines are the most widely used engines in their class. The engines currently power 25 types of civil and military helicopters as well as regional airliners, military transports, and multipurpose aircraft.
