EVENDALE, OHIO - An EH Industries EH101 helicopter powered by three GE CT7-6A turboshaft engines has completed a 2,500-mile flight from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Nunavant, Canada, on its way to participate in the Nova Scotia International Airshow and to conduct an introductory tour for its newest customer, Canada. During the 18-hour transatlantic flight, which included five fuel stops, the aircraft traveled at speeds as high as 150 knots and at altitudes ranging from 300 feet to 10,000 feet. After completing its transatlantic flight, the aircraft was flown for 84 more hours in 13 cities across Canada.

The aircraft, designated PP9, is one of two CT7-powered aircraft completing an Intensive Flight Operation Program (IFOP) to prove the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft and the GE engine. Of the 6,000 hours to be flown during the IFOP, 4,000 hours have been completed with no engine-caused in-flight shutdowns.

The PP9 is a pre-production civil variant in the EH101 helicopter family developed by EH Industries Ltd., a joint venture of GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd. of the United Kingdom and Agusta S.p.A. of Italy. GE CT7/T700 engines have powered the entire EH101 development fleet of nine prototype aircraft, plus the ground test vehicle, for a total of 37,200 hours.

The T700-powered Cormorant, a variant of the EH101, was recently selected to serve as the Canadian Defence Forces' Search and Rescue helicopter. In addition, the Italian Navy, the UK Royal Navy, the UK Royal Air Force, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have procured the EH101. All operators other than those from the UK selected CT7/T700 engines to power their aircraft.

CT7/T700 (civil/military) turboshaft and turboprop engines are the most widely used engines in their class, with more than 11,200 produced to power 24 models of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for 130 customers throughout the world. The engines have demonstrated exceptional reliability during 33 million hours flying demanding missions.