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GE Aviation Receives AHS Supplier Excellence Award

July 11, 2007

LYNN, Mass. -- GE Aviation was recently honored by the American Helicopter Society (AHS) with its 2007 Supplier Excellence Award during ceremonies held in Alexandria, VA. 

The award was given to GE's H-53 engine team (T64) for "distinguishing themselves by their efforts to deliver improved T64 engine components, establish improved T64 engine logistics support processes and become the engine provider for the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter." 

AHS International's prestigious awards program was initiated in 1944 and over the years has paid tribute to the outstanding leaders of the vertical flight industry. The AHS Supplier Excellence Award, created in 1995, is given to a supplier, which through quality, innovativeness and cost-effectiveness of its products, has made notable contributions within the vertical flight industry. 

GE was nominated for the award by the NAVAIR H-53 program office. Ed Birtwell, GE Aviation's vice president and general manger of Turboshaft Engines, accepted the award on GE's behalf. 

As the designer and manufacturer of the T64 turboshaft engine, GE Aviation continues as the prime supplier of parts and components for T64 engines used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy H-53 helicopter fleet. Over the years, GE has continued to invest in and enhance the T64 through such initiatives as the Engine Reliability Improvement Program (ERIP), titanium nitride blade/vane coating process and Performance Based Logistics contracts. Throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, GE has demonstrated strong technical expertise and customer-focused initiative in formulating a comprehensive set of T64 reliability improvements. 

"We are committed to ensuring the long-term supportability of the H-53 helicopter as it continues in its role as a key contributor to our nation's defense," said Marc Joslow, director of T58/T64 Programs. 

Between 1966 and 1999, 3,300 T64 engines were produced for the H-53 and 10 other helicopter and fixed-wing applications. To date, these engines have amassed in excess of 11 million flight hours in combat and various other extreme environments. 

GE's new GE38-1B engine was selected by Sikorsky Aircraft last December to power the U.S. Marine Corps' three-engine CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. 

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.