Acceptance tests of the 50th T700-TEI-701D engine produced by TEI were successfully completed. These engines were produced within the scope of the General-Purpose Helicopter Program (GMHP) initiated by the Presidency of Defense Industries in order to meet Turkey's utility helicopter needs by using domestic means.
The event held at TEI Eskişehir facilities to commemorate the delivery of the 50th engine was attended by General Manager and Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Mahmut F. Akşit, Members of the Board of Directors, TEI Managers, and TEI employees.
Speaking at the event, Akşit said that so far they produced 63 of Turkey's first domestically produced helicopter engine, the T700-TEI-701D. Akşit also said that they continue to deliver the engines as their tests are completed.
Akşit stated that they are very happy to be delivering the 50th helicopter engine, the tests of which have been completed. Akşit shared that the T700-TEI-701D engines produced by TEI have an important place in the T700 engine family and said, “We get 60 horsepower more than the previous version, which is still used in our country's inventory”.
TEI will produce a total of 236 T700-TEI-701D Turboshaft Engines in their Eskişehir facilities under General Electric license. This production will be within the scope of the project which will provide general purpose helicopters to be used by the Land Forces, Air Forces, Special Forces and Gendarmerie General Commands, General Directorate of Security and General Directorate of Forestry.
T700-TEI-701D Turboshaft Engine
The T700-TEI-701D Turboshaft Engine, the latest member of GE's T700 engine family, produces a maximum of 2000 shaft horsepower with a weight of 207 kg and can operate safely under the toughest environmental conditions including dusty deserts. T700-TEI-701D nameplate turboshaft engine is the first helicopter engine produced in Turkey.
Turkey's general-purpose helicopter needs for cargo, search and rescue, firefighting, air ambulance, and coastal security missions will be met with the T70 – Utility Helicopter powered by T700-TEI-701D engines; Turkish industry will play an important role in meeting domestic needs in the military and civil fields.